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.
Fellow Democrats Are Now Calling Out Eric Swalwell Over ‘Very Troubling’ Accusations
Michael Moore Defends Iran, Slams US for Bombing Japan in WWII in Deranged Rant: ‘We’re the Bad Guys!’
Senate Dem accuses Trump of being ‘unfit for office,’ joins growing call to impeach, oust president
Unearthed clip exposes shocking claim by Newsom’s wife about inmates at violent California prison
US denies Vatican feud, claims cardinal called report of animosity ‘fabrications’
Spanberger breaks silence on ‘sanctuary’ claims as ICE clashes heat up
Artemis II pilot Victor Glover’s daughter steals spotlight in viral tribute: ‘First daughter of the moon’
Yale Athletics Scandal: Admin Allegedly Forced Official to Retire to Make Room for Top Hire’s Lesbian Lover
Misconduct allegations dog Swalwell as Dem rivals seize opening in California governor’s race
Florida woman who posed as nurse and treated more than 4,400 patients without a license avoids jail time
Watch: Gov’t Exposed Spending £150k to Help 2 Foreign Child Molesters Fight Their Rap – We’re Committing Cultural Suicide
Democrats reject measure targeting dark money and AIPAC at spring meeting
Mamdani ripped after conceding key campaign pledge won’t happen this year
American Husband Arrested Days After His Wife Went Missing in the Bahamas
Netanyahu confirms negotiations with Lebanon after deadliest day of Israeli strikes
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.
Fellow Democrats Are Now Calling Out Eric Swalwell Over ‘Very Troubling’ Accusations
Michael Moore Defends Iran, Slams US for Bombing Japan in WWII in Deranged Rant: ‘We’re the Bad Guys!’
Senate Dem accuses Trump of being ‘unfit for office,’ joins growing call to impeach, oust president
Unearthed clip exposes shocking claim by Newsom’s wife about inmates at violent California prison
US denies Vatican feud, claims cardinal called report of animosity ‘fabrications’
Spanberger breaks silence on ‘sanctuary’ claims as ICE clashes heat up
Artemis II pilot Victor Glover’s daughter steals spotlight in viral tribute: ‘First daughter of the moon’
Yale Athletics Scandal: Admin Allegedly Forced Official to Retire to Make Room for Top Hire’s Lesbian Lover
Misconduct allegations dog Swalwell as Dem rivals seize opening in California governor’s race
Florida woman who posed as nurse and treated more than 4,400 patients without a license avoids jail time
Watch: Gov’t Exposed Spending £150k to Help 2 Foreign Child Molesters Fight Their Rap – We’re Committing Cultural Suicide
Democrats reject measure targeting dark money and AIPAC at spring meeting
Mamdani ripped after conceding key campaign pledge won’t happen this year
American Husband Arrested Days After His Wife Went Missing in the Bahamas
Netanyahu confirms negotiations with Lebanon after deadliest day of Israeli strikes
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.
