saluting a hero.

This week, Henry county lost one of its finest in the war on terror in Afghanistan. Sgt. 1st Class John C. Beale received a hero's homecoming as his body was returned to his hometown of McDonough, where he will be laid to rest. The citizens of Henry county lined the streets along the route of the motorcade to show their sympathy, gratitude, and patriotism for the fallen soldier, his family, and to the other men and women who continue to fight for our freedom. Some waved flags, some cried, some saluted. And everyone was moved. Moved by his story. That he made the ultimate sacrifice in fighting for our freedom. I am forever thankful to him and to all the other soldiers that continue to serve our country.



It’s the soldier, not the reporter, that gives you freedom of the press. It’s the soldier, not the poet, that gives you freedom of speech. It’s the soldier, not the campus organizer, that allows you to demonstrate. It’s the soldier who salutes the flag, serves the flag, whose coffin is draped with the flag....
-Jack Exum




Today, I say a prayer. I pray that God will be with Sgt. Beale and his family. I pray that God will watch over and protect our soldiers as they protect us. Bless those that have fought for our freedom. And enable me to teach our son the awesomeness of the freedom we so often take for granted. Destroy all division. Take away violence and hatred. And give us peace. Amen.