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 says Karoline Leavitt will leave White House press secretary role, become outside advisor
Former SPLC official arrested as feds expand case over alleged $4M scheme involving extremist groups
Former SPLC Exec Arrested on Fraud Charges Connected to KKK Relationship
DOJ charges 11 in alleged decadelong sham marriage scheme involving Chinese nationals
Report: Russia Is Giving China ‘Incredibly Important’ Military Technology to Use Against US
Trump’s dead ‘anti-weaponization fund’ comes back to life in Georgia Senate race
Ukraine pauses strikes on tankers after JD Vance request and Russian threats
‘Decoy’ Air Force One was protected by US fighter jets, official says
DOJ heavyweights throw monkey wrench in Dem plans to put Trump allies in hot seat
Leftists Melt Down as ESPN’s Biggest Star Hangs Out With Trump to Promote High School Athletes
Graphic Language: Video Shows El-Sayed Pal Hasan Piker Bragging About Wiping ‘My A** With the Constitution’
Florida deputy killed ex-girlfriend over a TV, then himself, sheriff says
Texas mom accused of killing 3-year-old daughter captured in Mexico after nearly 30 years on the run
Former ESPN and NBC Sideline Reporter Michele Tafoya Triumphs in GOP Senate Primary
Breaking: Inflation Rate Drops, Defying Economist Projections
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 says Karoline Leavitt will leave White House press secretary role, become outside advisor
Former SPLC official arrested as feds expand case over alleged $4M scheme involving extremist groups
Former SPLC Exec Arrested on Fraud Charges Connected to KKK Relationship
DOJ charges 11 in alleged decadelong sham marriage scheme involving Chinese nationals
Report: Russia Is Giving China ‘Incredibly Important’ Military Technology to Use Against US
Trump’s dead ‘anti-weaponization fund’ comes back to life in Georgia Senate race
Ukraine pauses strikes on tankers after JD Vance request and Russian threats
‘Decoy’ Air Force One was protected by US fighter jets, official says
DOJ heavyweights throw monkey wrench in Dem plans to put Trump allies in hot seat
Leftists Melt Down as ESPN’s Biggest Star Hangs Out With Trump to Promote High School Athletes
Graphic Language: Video Shows El-Sayed Pal Hasan Piker Bragging About Wiping ‘My A** With the Constitution’
Florida deputy killed ex-girlfriend over a TV, then himself, sheriff says
Texas mom accused of killing 3-year-old daughter captured in Mexico after nearly 30 years on the run
Former ESPN and NBC Sideline Reporter Michele Tafoya Triumphs in GOP Senate Primary
Breaking: Inflation Rate Drops, Defying Economist Projections
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.
