Yesterday, Marine Corps SSGT David Wyatt who was shot and killed on July 16, 2016 in Chattanooga was laid to rest. He was one of five service members who lost their lives in the Chattanooga shootings at two military operations here. There was a massive show of love and patriotism yesterday as the funeral party made its way from the church to Chattanooga National Cemetery.

I am not a huge patriot but I love my country. What I witnessed yesterday during the funeral procession was more than love of nation it was extravagant love expressed for a family who chose this community to call their home. I am sure the folks of Hixson United Methodist Church were top notch in the funeral service and there were others who made their contributions too. The display of respect from fellow military personnel and law enforcement was unreal to witness. Across the nation four other funerals are taking place and we must remember those souls who gave their lives too.

This might be unpopular but we must remember the family of the one who did this crime. They too have lost a son. God calls those folks his children too and he doesn’t have favourites in this life. In the grand scheme of things there has been a lot of loss in this community and its time to begin the healing process. Maybe we should love one another more so that things like this don’t have to happen again.