Today I attended the memorial service for a dear friend of mine's husband. We have a pretty close knit group of friends so we decided that even though most of us had never met him (a common theme in the army), we owed it to her as her friends to be there.
When we arrived, the church was already packed with standing room only. There were so many soldiers and friends/family members there to pay their respect that people lined the walls as well as the front entry way. It was amazingly overwhelming to see all of the love in the room for this family.
I could barely see the front of the church with the Fallen Soldier Memorial and pictures, but could hear the members of Sgt McCoy's Company talk about him. Some of the stories made you smile, while others made you cry. This man truly made an impact in each and every one of their lives.
It was hard to sit there and not tear up. Not only from the sadness of this family's loss, but I couldn't help but imagine myself in the same situation. Just having the thought pass through my mind had me crying harder.
Towards the end of the service they perform what is called The Final Role Call. They go through all of the soldier's names in the company and then come to the Fallen's name. They call it once...silence. They call his first and last name...silence. Then they call his full name...silence. *crying as I type this* Such a simple act was SO powerful and emotional at the same time. After the Role Call they went into the 21 Gun Salute. I lost it.
The world has lost an amazing husband, father, son, and soldier. My heart goes out to his wife and two daughters that were left behind.
RIP Sgt McCoy
I too am crying tears for your emotions Krys, as I can relate to your thoughts and feelings. My heart and prayers are with Sgt McCoy and his family and friends.
ReplyDeleteRIP Sgt McCoy; Never to be forgotten...
making me cry at work!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for being there for me and my girls today Krys...I haven't known you long, but lon genough for you to have always made a powerful impact on my own life. Today was one of the hardest things I have ever had to endure and this whole saga is yet to be over. As I fly his body home tomorrow to be laid to rest this coming Monday, I pray that none of my friends will ever have to endure what I am. I love you girlie, and I appreciate you and thank you more than I could ever express for your being there today.
ReplyDeleteOMG Im sittin here cryin my thoughts and prayers go out to u Alicia and the girls. Krys u also brought tears to my eyes this morning this was beautifully written for suck a sad topic. I wouldve been doin the samething havin thoughts runnin thru my head.
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