Many people from Alexandria to Smithville turned out Sunday to stand along the roadside and pay honor and respect to PFC Billy Anderson, the fallen solider who was killed in Afghanistan last Monday. Many waved flags, held signs, and saluted as the hearse passed by.
Click here to see pictures from Sunday’s eventshttp://www.wjle.com/node/10295
The flight bearing the flag draped casket touched down in Lebanon around 10:30 a.m. and a procession, led by law enforcement officers from the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department, Alexandria Police Department, Smithville Police Department, and Lebanon Police Department along with a large contingent of Patriot motorcycle riders, and Anderson’s family arrived in Smithville around noon. Members of the Smithville Fire Department and others stood at attention in the intersection of West Broad and Congress Boulevard as the motorcade went by enroute to DeKalb Funeral Chapel.
Martha Cunningham was among those who waited for the procession to arrive and watched as it passed by. She stood, along with family and friends, beside Highway 70 at DeKalb Middle School.
Cunningham says she wanted to show her support because she has a son now serving his country in Iraq. “I came out to show my support for Billy and his family and to let them know that I appreciate his service and everything he has done for our country.”
“I have a son in Iraq, PFC Christopher Cunningham. He has been there since September 11th, 2009. He is doing great. I spoke to him just prior to coming out here and he wanted to make sure that we let the family of Billy know that he has him in his thoughts and prayers.”
“Everybody needs to support our troops in all branches because they are over there serving to keep us free and to protect us. I just wish them all the best and I’m praying for them all.”
Christine Young and her husband and parents found a spot on South Congress Boulevard to see the procession pass by. “We came out in support and honor of the solider that gave his life for us and in memory of all the people who have given their lives in service so that we could be able to congregate and fly a flag. I think everyone should appreciate the fact, whether they agree with the war or not, that the soldiers are doing what they are supposed to do and we should support them regardless.”
Jerry Scott, third district county commissioner, also showed his support. “I left church today to come out here. I think it’s very important that we show our respect for the people who have fallen so that we can have the freedom of speech, worship, and all the freedoms that we have today.”