Recently, we buried a cherished family member, friend and neighbor at the Mount Salem Cemetery in Elkins. His visitation was hosted by Beard's Funeral Chapel in Fayetteville.
The funeral procession was escorted by the Fayetteville Police from Beard's Funeral Chapel to the cemetery along Arkansas 16 during one of the busiest events in Northwest Arkansas, Bikes, Blues and BBQ, along a stretch of road that is under construction. Whew!
Never have I witnessed such a show of respect, honor and consideration, from construction workers who stopped their work and held their helmets over their hearts as every single one of the cars passed by (I know because I was in rear) to the drivers heading west who pulled over to the side of the road and stopped until we passed. One young man even exited his vehicle and stood outside his car with his hand over his heart in a show of support and caring for a fallen brother. Every single biker stopped their enjoyment of what was a perfect riding day to pay their respects. Amazing and gratifying.
In Chicago you may have witnessed people attempting to join in the procession to get on down the road. In L.A., nobody would have glanced sideways. Not even here in Missouri have I seen such a display of human understanding, care and honor.
Thank you, citizens and visitors of Northwest Arkansas, for making the final trip of our fallen "hero," father, grandfather, friend and brother so memorable. He would have done the same for you.
Bless you all.
Janet Luck
Branson, Mo.
Commentary on 10/02/2014