Hundreds Pause In Beebe To Honor Fallen Soldier
By: Jocelyn Tovar, KARK 4 NEWS
Updated: September 30, 2012
It wasn't clear whether there were more American flags or supporters lining the streets in Beebe Saturday honoring Sergeant Jason Swindle, who was killed while serving in Afghanistan.
"The family's going to put this young man to rest," said Randy Morrison the leader of the American Legion Riders our of Batesville. "He made the ultimate sacrifice."
The sound of motorcycle engines filled the air, as hundreds of bikers descended on the small town forming a sort of protective motorcade around the hearse carrying Sergeant Swindle.
"This is the least we can do," said Morrison, "Feel like it's never enough."
Morrison said the family of Swindle showed their appreciation for the bikers, saying his mother hugged everyone of the nearly 200 who escorted the hearse from the Air Force base to the funeral home.
"I tell you what.," said Morrison. "Words can't say what it means to me... It's very special when everyone can get together like this from the heart and stand beside our servicemen."
"I wouldn't be here if it weren't for the military taking care of peace and freedom for us," said Tom Lyon.
Honoring what Swindle gave up for his country and remembering there are still countless others serving far from their homes.
"I've always tried to keep a flag flying," said Lyon, "And as long as there's one person not home, my flag's going to fly."
"It makes me feel proud to be an American and an ex-soldier," said Vietnam Veteran Randall Paige.
Veterans who know what it's like to serve paid their respects even if they didn't know Swindle personally.
The flags at half staff around Beebe served as a reminder the town is sharing in the Swindle family's sorrow.
"Arkansans," said Paige, "One thing I've learned is they have a heart and care very much for their troops. Their sons their daughters, serving in the military, they always come out to support them. That's one thing I like and that's why I live here."
Swindle was a father and a husband.
He also had a twin brother who served.
"The family's going to put this young man to rest," said Randy Morrison the leader of the American Legion Riders our of Batesville. "He made the ultimate sacrifice."
The sound of motorcycle engines filled the air, as hundreds of bikers descended on the small town forming a sort of protective motorcade around the hearse carrying Sergeant Swindle.
"This is the least we can do," said Morrison, "Feel like it's never enough."
Morrison said the family of Swindle showed their appreciation for the bikers, saying his mother hugged everyone of the nearly 200 who escorted the hearse from the Air Force base to the funeral home.
"I tell you what.," said Morrison. "Words can't say what it means to me... It's very special when everyone can get together like this from the heart and stand beside our servicemen."
"I wouldn't be here if it weren't for the military taking care of peace and freedom for us," said Tom Lyon.
Honoring what Swindle gave up for his country and remembering there are still countless others serving far from their homes.
"I've always tried to keep a flag flying," said Lyon, "And as long as there's one person not home, my flag's going to fly."
"It makes me feel proud to be an American and an ex-soldier," said Vietnam Veteran Randall Paige.
Veterans who know what it's like to serve paid their respects even if they didn't know Swindle personally.
The flags at half staff around Beebe served as a reminder the town is sharing in the Swindle family's sorrow.
"Arkansans," said Paige, "One thing I've learned is they have a heart and care very much for their troops. Their sons their daughters, serving in the military, they always come out to support them. That's one thing I like and that's why I live here."
Swindle was a father and a husband.
He also had a twin brother who served.
Comments
God bless every single soldier, past and present, and their families! God bless America!
Marqueta W.
September 29, 2012 at 5:49 pm
