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.
Dem Senate nominee distances herself from Kamala Harris ahead of visit: ‘Will not be attending’
California fraud concerns ramp up as man pleads guilty to massive scheme using taxpayers as his ‘piggy bank’
Husband of American woman missing in the Bahamas speaks out for first time, says he is ‘heartbroken’
Now That There’s a Ceasefire, There’s One Question Iran Will Be Forced to Answer: Where’s the Guy in Charge?
5 US House races shift toward Democrats: Cook Political Report
Trump Touts ‘Golden Age of the Middle East’ After Iran Ceasefire: ‘Big Money Will Be Made’
Meet the Trump-Endorsed Prosecutor Who Just Won the Race to Replace MTG
Trump, Rubio face NATO chief as US moves to ‘reexamine’ alliance after Iran clash
The Rules for the New Obama Center Shine a Bright Light on Democrats’ Hypocrisy
Trump, Iran agree to 2-week ceasefire and more top headlines
NATO’s Rutte heads to White House to make peace with Trump
Teamsters still bankrolling Democrats, including Jay Jones, despite openly flirting with Trump and GOP
AOC doubles down on call for Trump’s ouster even after ceasefire announcement
Inside Antifa-linked group’s plan to ‘structurally change’ the US as May Day unrest approaches
Somali refugee bought $1 million home the same year he was accused of defrauding taxpayers
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.
Dem Senate nominee distances herself from Kamala Harris ahead of visit: ‘Will not be attending’
California fraud concerns ramp up as man pleads guilty to massive scheme using taxpayers as his ‘piggy bank’
Husband of American woman missing in the Bahamas speaks out for first time, says he is ‘heartbroken’
Now That There’s a Ceasefire, There’s One Question Iran Will Be Forced to Answer: Where’s the Guy in Charge?
5 US House races shift toward Democrats: Cook Political Report
Trump Touts ‘Golden Age of the Middle East’ After Iran Ceasefire: ‘Big Money Will Be Made’
Meet the Trump-Endorsed Prosecutor Who Just Won the Race to Replace MTG
Trump, Rubio face NATO chief as US moves to ‘reexamine’ alliance after Iran clash
The Rules for the New Obama Center Shine a Bright Light on Democrats’ Hypocrisy
Trump, Iran agree to 2-week ceasefire and more top headlines
NATO’s Rutte heads to White House to make peace with Trump
Teamsters still bankrolling Democrats, including Jay Jones, despite openly flirting with Trump and GOP
AOC doubles down on call for Trump’s ouster even after ceasefire announcement
Inside Antifa-linked group’s plan to ‘structurally change’ the US as May Day unrest approaches
Somali refugee bought $1 million home the same year he was accused of defrauding taxpayers
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.
