I always hated to go to funerals. I had a great uncle, who was appalled that someone was hired to dig a grave. He probably dug hundreds of graves in his lifetime. I helped dig several graves, as this would excuse me from attending the funeral.
Friday, I attended a funeral of a young man I never met. I went to the funeral home and expressed my sympathy to his widow and mother. I called people in the community, who also did not know this fallen soldier and urged them to attend the funeral. He had distant contacts to this community, but not enough to ensure a good turnout at the funeral.
The police chief from his hometown was here and was the logical person to lead the procession to the graveside. Due to her being unfamiliar with the area, the Town Marshal of Caledonia lead the way. I was fortunate enough to ride with Marshal Ben Kilgore, as we go back over 30 years.
What I saw along the official route was impressive and moving. We are always told we need to be diverse and politically correct, sometimes I feel this is contrived and not sincere. What I saw today was, at my estimate, over 2,000 citizens of Lowndes County, who were not enticed by food or entertainment, turn out and respond with sincere feelings.
As I rode the route at a slow pace I observed flags at Atmos and the Municipal Complex flying at half-mast, pre-school children, teenagers, business owners, tradesmen, laborers, prominent citizens, rich, poor, middle class, black, white, veterans, and with American flags in hand, a man I know to be from Yemen with his toddler son. Some saluted, some had their hands over their hearts, some were waving flags, and some were crying. The common denominator was everyone was an American paying respect in their own way.
After the service, my wife and I felt the need to offer our thanks to the pallbearers, who were fellow soldiers and had begun their military service with the deceased. We spoke with each young man, expressed our sympathy and appreciation and asked for his hometown. Each responded until we approached the last soldier. He had tears in his eyes and as he attempted to respond, the tears flowed stronger. He could not find his voice against the struggle of emotion. I finally said I understood and a response was not necessary. This young soldier tried his best to remain the stoic warrior, but the humanity and relationship overcame him.
I have never been more proud to be Lowndes Countian, and I am sure the outpouring of support and respect, from one stranger to another, comforted the family of Sgt. Christopher R. Bell.
God Bless America.
Tim Hudson
Steens
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 36 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.