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.
Our Saturday was an active one before noon today. We went to breakfast with my folks and sister where we caught up with one another. It was good to have a leisurely meal with them and have some conversation. Then we picked up some prescriptions, groceries then a visit to a hardware store. Saturday’s have a distinct rhythm of their own and I was glad to have time with people that I love.
Now we are home and we plan on getting a few things done around the house. Later there are plans for shrimp with mac and cheese for dinner. Now I am hungry just thinking about that. I am very glad to be in an air conditioned house becaus its going to be hot the rest of the day. I hope you all have a great day!
David Carroll is an anchor at WRCB-TV3 the NBC TV affiliate here in Chattanooga. He has been around here for a long time and he gets things on point when it comes to all things Chattanooga. I think he is a great writer and commentator.
We remember these men, we remember that day, we thank them for their service. Grace and peace to my home of Chattanooga, TN as we look back to one week ago. It is all hard to believe.
This the scene of one of the shootings of Thursday, July 16, 2015 in Chattanooga, TN. The military recruiting center where the shootings began is located here. A makeshift memorial has been set up in front of this office complex that has been a place where the community has come to pay their respects to the four Marines and one Sailor who lost their lives at a Naval Reserve Center. Media outlets have been broadcasting from here for almost a week sharing the story of the act of terror but most importantly how our community has responded. It is a place where a crime took place and now it is where people are finding a new day, hope and healing.
Thank’s to the President and the White House for making this happen to honor the four Marines and one Sailor killed last Thursday in Chattanooga. A very fitting tribute.
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