More than 2,000 people packed into Patriots Plaza at Sarasota National Cemetery Tuesday afternoon. Each person came to say ‘goodbye’ and salute Edward Pearson.
The Army veteran died Aug. 31 at the age of 80.
The Naples resident had no immediate family, but the funeral director had a plan to give Pearson one last amazing honor: An open invitation to the public.
“I stayed awake all night long the first time I heard this on the news. I said, ‘That’s not right. That’s a shame.’ I made a vow to myself and said I will be there as a veteran myself. No comrade should ever be left behind. Never,” said a man named Bob who spoke during the service Tuesday. “It broke my heart. And that he was going to be laid to rest with nobody around. To me, that’s not right. No veteran man or woman should ever have to have that happen to them,” he said.
Judge Keeps Major Biden Admin Gun Rule On Ice
Fauci refuses Senate appearance after invoking Fifth Amendment more than 100 times in COVID probe
America Found A Rare Metal It Desperately Needs. Red Tape Could Keep It In The Ground For Ages
Trump backs Republican challenger to oust Letitia James amid ongoing mortgage fraud feud
Court filings reveal Kyrsten Sinema had sex multiple times with married bodyguard while serving as senator
Justice Thomas reveals this elite institution is ‘off limits’ to him: ‘That’s the world we’re in’
‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’ is a slog for the uninitiated
Military Identifies 2 Soldiers Killed in Texas Helicopter Crash Earlier This Week
Shooting Rocks University Campus as School Prepares for Classes to Resume
Companies Back Down After Red State AG’s Debanking Probe
He’s Baaaack: Platner Returns to Political Spotlight as His Replacement Deals with a Domestic Violence Allegation of His Own
Nearly One-in-Six Americans Have Acted on AI Medical Advice Without Speaking to Human, Poll Shows
Florida cold case suspect allegedly confesses to 1987 murder and reveals secret crime-scene details
Virginia State University shooting: At least 5 injured, one critically
ICYMI: Judge Shuts Down Democrats’ Attempt to Rush in Late Votes After Candidates Drop Out
They came from around the state and beyond to remember the Army veteran from Naples.
The Naples resident didn’t have any friends or family to bury him. Legacy Options Funeral Home in Naples posted an obituary for Pearson.
The line, “This veteran has no immediate family. All are welcome to attend,” captured the attention of the nation.
“People on the highway were saluting, motorcycles were joining in as we made our way up from Naples to Sarasota. It was a little overwhelming,” said Funeral Home Director Michael Hoyt.
Judge Keeps Major Biden Admin Gun Rule On Ice
Fauci refuses Senate appearance after invoking Fifth Amendment more than 100 times in COVID probe
America Found A Rare Metal It Desperately Needs. Red Tape Could Keep It In The Ground For Ages
Trump backs Republican challenger to oust Letitia James amid ongoing mortgage fraud feud
Court filings reveal Kyrsten Sinema had sex multiple times with married bodyguard while serving as senator
Justice Thomas reveals this elite institution is ‘off limits’ to him: ‘That’s the world we’re in’
‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’ is a slog for the uninitiated
Military Identifies 2 Soldiers Killed in Texas Helicopter Crash Earlier This Week
Shooting Rocks University Campus as School Prepares for Classes to Resume
Companies Back Down After Red State AG’s Debanking Probe
He’s Baaaack: Platner Returns to Political Spotlight as His Replacement Deals with a Domestic Violence Allegation of His Own
Nearly One-in-Six Americans Have Acted on AI Medical Advice Without Speaking to Human, Poll Shows
Florida cold case suspect allegedly confesses to 1987 murder and reveals secret crime-scene details
Virginia State University shooting: At least 5 injured, one critically
ICYMI: Judge Shuts Down Democrats’ Attempt to Rush in Late Votes After Candidates Drop Out
The service was temporarily delayed while traffic issues resolved. Hoyt described how they got to the cemetery.
“It was like the parting of the seas. The motorcycles went down the middle and everybody pulled to the side and we came through with the hearse and the urn,” said Hoyt.
One social media post brought together strangers who uplifted one another and gave a veteran the farewell he deserves.
“If Ed where here today and saw this for him today he would laugh, cry and salute.” He’s been our neighbor for the last several years. He was a wonderful man and he deserves everything that happened for him here today. Thank you,” said a woman.
Sarasota National Cemetery holds services for veterans without any family or friends on a weekly basis.
If you’d like to find out more information about how you can attend contact Sarasota National Cemetery at (941)-722-7200.
A small look at the crowd at Patriot Plaza. There’s easily more than a thousand people here. The service has been delayed. We are told traffic is backed up on Clark Road and the interstate @FOX13News #Sarasota pic.twitter.com/gyH1FLvPtt
— Kim Kuizon FOX 13 (@kkuizon) October 1, 2019
Story cited here.
