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Published Saturday, June 13, 2009 in Local
Crowds line route to honor fallen soldier
The Newnan Times-Herald
Thousands turned out to honor fallen soldier Staff Sgt. John C. Beale Thursday evening as his remains were taken from Falcon Field in Peachtree City to a funeral home in McDonough.
Beale, a McDonough resident and member of the 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team of the Georgia Army National Guard, was killed in Afghanistan on June 4.
Beale was one of three Georgia soldiers killed that day near Kapisa, Afghanistan, from wounds suffered from an improvised explosive device and from small-arms fire. Also killed were Maj. Kevin M. Jenrette, 37, of Lula and Spc. Jeffrey W. Jordan, 21, of Rome.
McDonough resident Kelly Rogers and her family lined Hwy. 42 Thursday evening, and Rogers took several photos she's shared with The Times-Herald.
The Rogers didn't know Beale, but "we just felt compelled to go. It's just one of those things," Rogers said. "He was close to our age. We've got kids, and he had kids, and he's the first person from McDonough" killed in the current conflicts.
"We just felt like we needed to go," she said.
The roadways were lined for miles, Beale said. "Everybody had on their USA stuff, and flags," she said. Her parents told her that as they were arriving for the tribute, "every nook and cranny on Hwy. 42 coming from the square" was filled with people. "It was just impressive, the turnout," she said.
Henry County Police officers were in front of the hearse, and one "said I really appreciate everyone coming out and supporting us," Rogers said.
Helicopters were following overhead, and "it brings tears to my eyes now," Rogers said Friday. "It was real moving, real somber.
"I wanted to hug my kids ... I didn't want to stop hugging them after that," she said. "It makes you stop and think about the little things that matter."
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My husband & I made sure to go to Falcon Field to witness the procession. It was a somber, moving, and emotional experience. Seeing the flag-draped casket go by was... I don't really know how to describe it. After the last vehicle in the procession departed, everyone made their way to their cars. Not a word was spoken. I was struck by the quiet. Seeing the crowd there did my heart good--to know so many care. How do we begin to repay the debt to Sgt. Beale and others like him? Can we even do so? Honoring our heroes and never forgetting their sacrifice is a start. Thank you Sgt. Beale. God bless your family. God bless our troops, and God Bless America.
Posted by Grateful American at 4:06 AM
I was compelled to honor him as well. He and his family lives 5 houses up from me. I live on the main street, everyone has there flags out to honor this man and his family. It brings a entire new meaning to this war bc it has hit a lot closer to home.
Posted by Laura at 9:59 PM
I was also compelled to go and honor this fallen hero. I stopped on GA 85 at Starr's Mill. The procession was very moving and I just cried - not just for Staff Sgt. Beale, but for all of those who have given their lives for our freedom. Thank you to all of our troops no matter where they are stationed. Patriotism is cool and still lives here in Georgia! God Bless America!!!
Posted by Lisa at 5:59 PM
I wish they could post some photos of the crowds along the route. I wanted to go to this but couldn't make it. I've been trying to find some pics or video of it ever since and haven't been able to.
Posted by Dee at 1:40 PM
I, also, was compelled to go and take my 9 year old daughter. Freedom certainly isn't free and those of us remaining must always honor those that have gone to protect us. I was proud of the crowd at Falcon Field and lining Dividend Drive. Thousands of folks from Coweta and Fayette counties. Patriotism is cool.
Posted by Jim Dunnavant at 12:52 PM
Was this soldier originally from Newnan or something? The story doesn't say.
Posted by Carol at 12:30 PM
It is great to see all of the people come out and support our troups, but what a sad day to see one of our local HERO'S loose his life. May GOB bless his family and our country.
Posted by Steve at 12:13 PM
A military funeral is one of the saddest funerals that you will ever go to. I love to hear stories of the community supporting the soldiers like this though. God bless these soldiers and their families and keep watch over the soldiers that are deployed as well as their families.
Posted by Soldier's Wife at 11:51 AM
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in harms way
6/15/2009
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