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.
‘After your boy’: Hasan Piker lashes out over fed probe into Cuba trip
Officials say possible crack in unstable chemical tank may relieve pressure at aerospace plant
Retiring senator warns if Trump continues to do ‘stupid things’ it will kill GOP in November
‘Wasteful distraction’: Experts slam Mamdani’s taxpayer-funded grocery stores
WWII vet gives direct message to young people today: ‘We gave up our yesterdays for your tomorrows’
Dem socialist running for Wisconsin governor pushed ‘abolishing the police’
From rally gunfire to White House shooting, threats against President Trump continue to mount
Ice Cream Recall Affects Residents of 17 States
This European Commentator Was Banned from Britain for Wrongthink
Doug McCain, eldest son of John McCain, dead suddenly at 66
These Christian Girls from Pakistan Were Forced Into Marriage by Muslims
White House blasts Cruz, Pompeo for trashing Trump peace efforts as Iran appeasement
NYT Makes Whopping Admission on AR-15s, AK-47s, Deals Devastating Blow to Gun Grabbers
Crazed Man Kidnaps Chicago Bus Driver at Knifepoint, Leads Her to Jump Out Window
California mayors revolt over Newsom bullet train plan they warn could ‘raid’ local tax bases
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.
‘After your boy’: Hasan Piker lashes out over fed probe into Cuba trip
Officials say possible crack in unstable chemical tank may relieve pressure at aerospace plant
Retiring senator warns if Trump continues to do ‘stupid things’ it will kill GOP in November
‘Wasteful distraction’: Experts slam Mamdani’s taxpayer-funded grocery stores
WWII vet gives direct message to young people today: ‘We gave up our yesterdays for your tomorrows’
Dem socialist running for Wisconsin governor pushed ‘abolishing the police’
From rally gunfire to White House shooting, threats against President Trump continue to mount
Ice Cream Recall Affects Residents of 17 States
This European Commentator Was Banned from Britain for Wrongthink
Doug McCain, eldest son of John McCain, dead suddenly at 66
These Christian Girls from Pakistan Were Forced Into Marriage by Muslims
White House blasts Cruz, Pompeo for trashing Trump peace efforts as Iran appeasement
NYT Makes Whopping Admission on AR-15s, AK-47s, Deals Devastating Blow to Gun Grabbers
Crazed Man Kidnaps Chicago Bus Driver at Knifepoint, Leads Her to Jump Out Window
California mayors revolt over Newsom bullet train plan they warn could ‘raid’ local tax bases
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.
