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.
Trump to Yank SNAP Food Aid from Dem States Who Refuse to Share Data to Catch Fraudsters
Rep Nancy Mace slaps down early retirement rumor: ‘BIG FAT NO from me’
As Trump’s standoff with Maduro deepens, experts warn the next move may force a showdown
Federal Agents Flood New Orleans to Take Down Illegal Immigrant Robbers and Rapists
Dystopia: UK Woman Recalls Being Arrested by Multiple Officers for Hate Crime While She Was Naked, After Sending Harmless Text Message
Decomposed body found in Connecticut after standoff with man who opened fire at police
Adams issues orders blocking NYC from boycotting Israel as clash with Mamdani grows
US Institute of Peace officially renamed for Trump as White House moves to dismantle agency: ‘Congratulations’
Feds arrest felon illegal immigrant after seizing tens of millions in meth stashed in blackberries
Elderly Texas woman learns fate for distributing 150,000 doses of fentanyl through the mail
Model, DJ linked to violent Tren de Aragua gang leader sanctioned by Trump administration
Social media reactions reveal why both parties celebrated after GOP candidate won special election
Prince William Plans to ‘Slash and Burn’ Royal Establishment, Harry and Meghan: Report
Ghislaine Maxwell pushes back on full transparency for Epstein files
Trump warns US may launch land operations inside Venezuela ‘very soon,’ says regime sent ‘killers’ to America
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.
Trump to Yank SNAP Food Aid from Dem States Who Refuse to Share Data to Catch Fraudsters
Rep Nancy Mace slaps down early retirement rumor: ‘BIG FAT NO from me’
As Trump’s standoff with Maduro deepens, experts warn the next move may force a showdown
Federal Agents Flood New Orleans to Take Down Illegal Immigrant Robbers and Rapists
Dystopia: UK Woman Recalls Being Arrested by Multiple Officers for Hate Crime While She Was Naked, After Sending Harmless Text Message
Decomposed body found in Connecticut after standoff with man who opened fire at police
Adams issues orders blocking NYC from boycotting Israel as clash with Mamdani grows
US Institute of Peace officially renamed for Trump as White House moves to dismantle agency: ‘Congratulations’
Feds arrest felon illegal immigrant after seizing tens of millions in meth stashed in blackberries
Elderly Texas woman learns fate for distributing 150,000 doses of fentanyl through the mail
Model, DJ linked to violent Tren de Aragua gang leader sanctioned by Trump administration
Social media reactions reveal why both parties celebrated after GOP candidate won special election
Prince William Plans to ‘Slash and Burn’ Royal Establishment, Harry and Meghan: Report
Ghislaine Maxwell pushes back on full transparency for Epstein files
Trump warns US may launch land operations inside Venezuela ‘very soon,’ says regime sent ‘killers’ to America
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.
