I was up in El Dorado Hills last week visiting family and was witness to a very beautiful thing. An entire community came together to honor fallen soldier, Marine Staff Sgt. Sky Mote during his funeral procession. The community lined the road as SSGT Sky Mote's remains were transferred to Green Valley Mortuary. The community waved flags and held up signs as the procession passed up the highway (people held banners above the overpass) and through the town passing the schools which Mote attended. A nine-year veteran in the Marine Corps, he was one of three special operations Marines killed Friday, August 10, 2012 in Afghanistan.
When we walked out of my sister's neighborhood onto the main road, I was overcome with emotion! It was over 100 degrees that evening but it didn't stop thousands of people from lining the street. I heard a woman say, "We should honor all of our troops like this no matter how they come home to us." I couldn't agree more!
This went on for miles! People lined the street from the freeway to the funeral home.
My sister shared that both of SSGT Sky Mote's parents were teachers at two of the schools in the community and it was heartwarming to see so many children out there waving their flags, learning about compassion and respect. When the procession drove by, everyone was silent. Tears welled up in my eyes not only for SSGT Mote but for his family and all of the other families out there who have had to endure such a loss. It was a very emotional scene.
I think the kids impressed me most! They waved to the family and remained silent as the processional passed us.
At the very end of the procession there were at least 50 motorcycles, most decorated with flags.
Thank you Sergeant Sky Mote for you bravery and sacrifice! My thoughts and prayers are with your fellow soldiers, family, and friends.
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