A sobering thing happened on my way to work today.

[Tom609 27]

I use the southern end of Route 295 for a stretch to get to work ... roughly Mount Laurel to Burlington. This morning as I was coming off the ramp and merging onto Route 295 north, my timing put me precisely at the front of the motorcade that was transporting the body of the young soldier and Bordentown Fireman that was recently killed in Afghanistan. Led by a State Police cruiser, there were Bordentown Police, Fire and EMT trucks, as well as the motorcycle entourage. Traffic was pacing the motorcade and no one was their usual crazy self cutting in and out. Cars and tractor trailers all maintained their speed and place and we all became part of the motorcade. The most moving part were the fire personnel on top of their trucks at every overpass. They would all salute at attention as the motorcade went under. I eventually had to exit, but wished I could have continued to be part of this very public acknowledgment to a fallen hero. Nothing political intended here, but I couldn't help but think that we would have been out of these wars long ago if we did this for ever casualty of the war when they came home. God bless them...

[Shug 4]

That's sad to hear. I travel 295 daily but this must have been well after rush hour. Would have said screw work and followed like everyone else.

[RecessedFilter 222]

Unfortunately most are lost and forgotten, even survivors of the war(s).

 

It's important to frequently think about them, everything from what they are doing presently to what they are going through.

[hopper 36]

He gave the Ultimate Sacrifice , GOD BLESS HIM AND ALL THE OTHERS THAT HAVE DONE SO !!!!!!

[Old School 611]

He gave the Ultimate Sacrifice , GOD BLESS HIM AND ALL THE OTHERS THAT HAVE DONE SO !!!!!!

 

 

+1 well put

[Krdshrk 3,878]

That is awesome. I'm happy that people were very respectful of this. I believe the darn Westboro Church will be trying to protest the funeral this weekend. There's a facebook group of people who are trying to stop them.

 

Facebook group:

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=group_193635357317127

AGAINST WESTBORO BAPTIST PICKETING MOORE'S FUNERAL

[NorthernYankee 94]

I saw that this, I was wondering what was going on this morning.

[siderman 1,140]

Very sad indeed. Having a son over there now it stabs at the heart even harder.And also having a son there puts us on the casualty notification list. As obviously tragic as the deaths are you may be suprised/sickened at the amount of injuries that goes on as "routine".From ricochet scratches to legs being blown off, burns, pyscological issues.Yea, I know thats what war is but do our guys have to wear ballerina shoes and bend over like they do?And that f'n church doin what they do?! I dont know how the bereving familys and freinds control themselves. Dont know if I would.

[bad64chevelle 0]

Very Sad indeed. I went to high school with Ben, he was a few years younger. He had an impact on many peoples lives. RIP Ben.

[jermz1987 243]

If I am not mistaken what you saw today was for the fallen Lakewood PD Officer, The other burriral for the fallen soilder is this Saturday.

[Soju 153]

I had a friend from high school who was killed in Afghanistan last August. Yesterday we flew 2 more into Dover AFB who were killed in support of OEF operations. It never ceases to touch on me emotionally.

[Krdshrk 3,878]

If I am not mistaken what you saw today was for the fallen Lakewood PD Officer, The other burriral for the fallen soilder is this Saturday.

 

No that was down route 9 in Lakewood, J. This was for Specialist Moore.

[Anselmo 87]

I saw the firetrucks on the overpasses this morning but didn't know why.

 

Anyone heading down to the funeral on Saturday to show solidarity against the Westboro idiots?

[Tom609 27]

I saw the firetrucks on the overpasses this morning but didn't know why.

 

Anyone heading down to the funeral on Saturday to show solidarity against the Westboro idiots?

 

It sounds like the Jersey Guys are trying to coordinate a peaceful and respectful counter protest and help shield the family.

 

Our thoughts are with you and your son, siderman.

[Nick S 2]

I am glad to see people paying tribute to this officer and I am hopeful that this saturday everyone will be as respectful for the soldier whom lost their life fighting for our freedom.

 

I lived in Arkansas for about 3 years and the first time I saw everyone pull off to the side of the road for a funeral percession I was in awe. You don't often see that here in NJ. Hell many people don't often let police, fire and rescue vehicles pass in traffic by pulling off to the side of the road like they are supposed to.

 

I am glad to see this and glad to see so many people celebrate this young man who was taken from us far too soon. I hadn't realized until just the other day that an ex-girlfriend of mine was extremely close to the family when the officer was growing up. While I had never met him it deeply saddens me that he was taken in such a brutal way and I hope that his family can have some peace in knowing that he died doing what he loved...being a police officer.

[jermz1987 243]

No that was down route 9 in Lakewood, J. This was for Specialist Moore.

 

 

ahhh ok gotcha. I worked the desk today and all the officers went to the funeral. im probably mixing it up.

 

Anyway my thought and prayers go out to his family.