A Soldier's Funeral

http://www.reporternews.com/news/2009/sep/15/murphey/

A hero's welcome, a soldier's funeral
By Jared Fields
Posted September 15, 2009

CLYDE — A strong mix of patriotism and mourning filled Clyde on Tuesday afternoon.

Hundreds of American flags held by Patriot Guard Riders, a group of motorcycle riders who honor soldiers at funerals, flew outside the First Baptist Church of Clyde as family and friends prepared to pay their last respects to Army Staff Sgt. Michael Chance Murphrey.
Inside the crowded church, Murphrey was remembered warmly.

SNIP

On South 3rd Street, members of the Clyde football team held American flags while lining the road. On the next street, where the funeral procession would turn to make the short trip to the cemetery, hundreds of residents and Clyde ISD students held even more flags.

Once the law enforcement vehicles began the trek, a silence fell over the crowd as they watched the hearse pass.

Junior high and high school students held large flags, children stood with miniature ones and veterans saluted.

 

FYI

The population of Clyde, TX is between 3500 and 4000.

 

Nothing else was ever suggested.