I did not know him but I owe him so much. I never met him but tears fell from my eyes when he went by. I never spoke with him but I feel much respect for him. I will never meet, talk to, or see him again. But, I will remember the day that he changed my life forever.
On the way home from garage sales on Saturday, Tayler and I drove past my church. We saw motorcycles and many men with flags. Upon looking up, I saw a huge flag being flown from firetrucks. I knew immediately what I had come upon.
A funeral for a fallen soldier was taking place. I pulled over and we decided to get out and honor him in the only way we could at that moment. I stood holding one end of a large flag at the entrance to the church parking lot where all the vehicles would pass by. I stood with hundreds of other people, both parishioners and otherwise, in honor of a man that gave his life for his country. There were adults and children alike.
Little girls with their hands to heaven…
and Sisters and priests with members of the parish.
The motorcade came up the street and silence came upon the group of those paying respect.
Many motorcycles led the way…
and police officers led the family and friends of the fallen man.
And when they passed the entrance, they were greeted with salutes, tears, and support from those they don’t even know.
God bless this man, Sgt. Denis Kisseloff, who died fighting for what he believed in, who spent so much of his life doing just that, and who should be remembered forever as a hero. Pray for his children, who with the death of their father, are now without living parents.
A Prayer For A Fallen Soldier
Author Unknown
I saw a soldier kneeling down,
for this was the first quiet place he had found.
He had traveled through jungles, rivers and mud.
His hands were scared and toil-warned.
He folded his hands and looked to the sky…
I saw his tears, as they welled in his eyes.
He spoke to God, and this is what he said.
God Bless my men, who now lie dead;
I know not what You have in mind,
but when You judge, please be kind….
when they come before You, they will be poorly dressed
but will walk proudly, for they have done their best.
Their boots will be muddy and their clothes all torn…
but these clothes they have so proudly worn.
Their hearts will be still and cold inside,
for they have fought their best and did so with pride.
So please take care of them as they pass Your way…
the price of freedom they’ve already paid.
It was a humbling experience for me… one I will never forget. I am forever changed by a man that did not know me. I am forever grateful to him and all the military and their families for the sacrifices they face for me, my family, and all those in our great, beautiful country. God bless them all.
(My photos were taken from my blackberry. To see others from that day, you can check this site, or click here for the full new story.)
Sissy says
A beautiful tribute. I lost my son June 6, 2009. This made me cry. You did a good job
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Teresa Gerdes says
this was so beautiful, I wish I had been there. I cannot imagine the grief that family has!! I know how hard it is having a soldier away from home, I just thank God mine returned to me!
Teresa and Captain Jim Gerdes, United States Army Reserve, Transportation Corps
Fe says
I just came upon this site and what a beautiful tribute To Sgt. Denis Kisseloff……. my brother…….. I so miss my brother and to be there and see all the people who stood there to honor him, I will never forget it. Thank you for caring. my family , Serena and Aleks will be forever grateful to all of you.
Petula says
That’s cool that you stopped to do that.
.-= Petula´s last blog ..Saving on closeouts =-.
Kara says
What a beautiful tribute to Sgt. Denis Kisseloff. Our police will be bringing home a fallen solider tomorrow to our hometown. 19 years young, with a young bride. I was debating on whether to go to his procession or not, but you have me sold. It’s the least I can do for someone who paid the ultimate price for our freedom.
Many prayers to his family and children.
xoxo
.-= Kara @ His, Hers and Ours´s last blog ..Letters of Intent Friday and Friday Fragments =-.
Stefany says
You won’t regret it.
The Wifey says
The first time I read this from my blackberry, it seemed to complicated to navigate it to really pull the emotion from it.
…But now that I’m seated and able to take away from it everything you put into this post, there are tears in my eyes Stefany.
You thank them for their service, and they thank you for your support. It’s nice to be reminded, especially when you move to a place where all the locals want you to leave, that the distance from family, the deployments, the (ridiculous) life insurance policy, and the daily bull crap of dealing with superiors who seem to be out to make your life hell are not just things you put up with (as a military family) for a paycheck, but something more…
For a people, for a country. Who are loving, supportive, and so kind. And I am so happy to have a friend in one of them.
Thank you.
.-= The Wifey´s last blog ..Post-It: Tips For Life (After High School) =-.
Natalie A. says
This is a wonderful tribute to a fallen soldier! This is a touching post! Thanks for sharing and prayers go to his family and especially to his kid’s!
.-= Natalie A.´s last blog ..Reminder- Sahale Snacks Prize Pack Giveaway Ends Tonight! =-.
Kristine says
Hey girl!
You did a great job on this, better than the news stories!
I forgot to tell you during the funeral service the girls had to go to the bathroom. While in the church we saw his aunt and she said, they know he died happy, because he loved serving his country.
Take care!
Kristine
Debby Pucci says
Stefany, this is a beautiful post. I will pray for his family.
.-= Debby Pucci´s last blog ..TAG YOUR IT ! =-.
Glenda says
Thank you for posting this! I cried while reading….My prayers are with his friends and family. Thank you Sgt. Denis Kisseloff for fighting for us!