Bob McCarty Writes

In a post yesterday, I wrote that I would be spending time today away from the computer, doing something real. And I did. I was one of hundreds today who were privileged to be able to honor a real American hero.

At 11 a.m., I attended the funeral service of Army Col. Stephen Scott at First Baptist Church of Harvester. About two hours later, I drove my car to Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery. It was one of nearly 200 four-wheeled vehicles — at least 50 of which were motorcycles belonging to the Patriot Riders — in a funeral procession that traveled some 40 minutes from the St. Charles County church where he and I were both members.

From the moment the funeral procession departed the church parking lot to the moment the caravan found its way to Jefferson Barracks, participants were able to witness incredible displays of respect. At intersections. On the sides of the road. People stopped what they were doing as a way to show their respects. Some pulled their cars to the side of the road. Others simply stood along the route. Many waved flags. It was a fitting tribute painted by freedom-loving Americans along the route leading to the hallowed ground where heroes like Colonel Scott are laid to rest.

Hundreds of individuals, including one Army colonel who had accompanied Colonel Scott’s body all the way from Iraq, attended a brief memorial service with full military honors in a show of support for his family. Afterward, the vast majority of those in attendance departed so that the colonel’s immediate family and friends could say goodbye to in private.

In addition to the photos shown in this post, I took several more during the day to remind you — and all who read this blog — that Freedom Isn’t Free. It’s preserved through much sacrifice — and, sometimes, the ultimate sacrifice — of people like Colonel Scott. To see the rest of the photos I took today, click here.