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.
This African Country Could Start Islamic ‘Sharia Courts’
Perfect Justice: South Koreans Teach US Punk a Hard Lesson – 6 Months Hard Labor for Disgusting Public Behavior
Here Are the States Getting the Biggest Tax Refunds
Mayor Mamdani Says Exodus From New York Is Just Your Imagination
Trump signs executive order directing FDA to review psychedelics designated as breakthrough therapy drugs
Kagan screamed so loudly at liberal ally after Dobbs leak the ‘wall was shaking,’ book claims
2 US Army soldiers in Alaska injured in bear attack during training exercise
Orange Crush festival returns to Tybee Island as police brace for 50,000 partiers after teen takeover, gunfire
Crypto PACs still targeting Sherrod Brown even after he softened criticism
UK Is Lost: After Brutal Gang Rape, Cops Turn on Angry Citizens for Refusing to Be Politically Correct About Unthinkable Crime
BBQ lovers beware: Middle East conflict might disrupt your summer plans this year
Watch: Rep. Boebert Planning Motion to Expel Ilhan Omar from Congress Over Alleged Incestuous Marriage – ‘That One’s Mine… I Have Dibs’
Who is Philip Harding? Meet the Republican entrepreneur trying to flip Virginia’s 7th District
Boston mayor denies funding LGBTQ migrant ‘wellness’ perks after program touts up to $500 benefits
White House goes hands-off in Virginia redistricting fight, despite pressure from Speaker Johnson
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.
This African Country Could Start Islamic ‘Sharia Courts’
Perfect Justice: South Koreans Teach US Punk a Hard Lesson – 6 Months Hard Labor for Disgusting Public Behavior
Here Are the States Getting the Biggest Tax Refunds
Mayor Mamdani Says Exodus From New York Is Just Your Imagination
Trump signs executive order directing FDA to review psychedelics designated as breakthrough therapy drugs
Kagan screamed so loudly at liberal ally after Dobbs leak the ‘wall was shaking,’ book claims
2 US Army soldiers in Alaska injured in bear attack during training exercise
Orange Crush festival returns to Tybee Island as police brace for 50,000 partiers after teen takeover, gunfire
Crypto PACs still targeting Sherrod Brown even after he softened criticism
UK Is Lost: After Brutal Gang Rape, Cops Turn on Angry Citizens for Refusing to Be Politically Correct About Unthinkable Crime
BBQ lovers beware: Middle East conflict might disrupt your summer plans this year
Watch: Rep. Boebert Planning Motion to Expel Ilhan Omar from Congress Over Alleged Incestuous Marriage – ‘That One’s Mine… I Have Dibs’
Who is Philip Harding? Meet the Republican entrepreneur trying to flip Virginia’s 7th District
Boston mayor denies funding LGBTQ migrant ‘wellness’ perks after program touts up to $500 benefits
White House goes hands-off in Virginia redistricting fight, despite pressure from Speaker Johnson
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.
