High Honor: Texans turn out to receive a hero

posted at 7:30 am on March 26, 2007 by Bryan

Sgt Emerson Noah Brand, of Caddo Mills, TX, (population: 1,149) lost his life in Iraq on March 15 when an IED detonated near his vehicle in Baghdad. On March 23, residents of Caddo Mills and nearby towns turned out to welcome him home. The Patriot Guard Riders provided escort. A friend of mine was there, and had this to say about the moment.

We often hear about the protestors and unruly types that soil the sacred reception of our Killed In Action across America. Well, this e-mail is here to remind you that THIS community cares and takes very seriously the service of our men and women in the armed forces.

Today, I had the high honor of saluting the return of Sergeant Emerson Noah Brand. These pictures don’t do justice to the MANY area citizens who came out to the curbside and wave a flag in solumn reverence as the motorcaide passed by.

I’m proud of our local citizens, but prouder yet of those who are called to protect, defend, and sometimes die.

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Blowback

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An incredibly moving story, as are all the stories of our returning heroes. I’m always moved and also angered at the liberal attitudes surrounding this struggle. Who knows, but for the lack of liberal support, many of our brave soldiers would still be alive and the front in Iraq would be neutralized.

ultracon on March 26, 2007 at 7:49 AM

It’s a shame that we have to lose REAL Americans like this in order to defend the rights of pond scum protestors who “burned him” in Seattle and chanted “Bye bye G.I., in Iraq you’re gonna die”. Your freedom of speech was paid for by men and women like Emerson, ungrateful hippies.

Tony737 on March 26, 2007 at 8:00 AM

Blessed be his memory.

georgej on March 26, 2007 at 8:06 AM

Thanks, Bryan – after some of the things I’ve read this morning, this was good to see.

It ought to remind of something we all forget: THIS is America. THIS is the truth.

The truth is the protesters and flag-burners and truthers and BDS-obsessed liberals don’t matter. They don’t matter at all. We read about them and talk about them for exactly the same reason the newspapers are filled with crime and murder: because they are the exception rather than the rule.

Murder is rare. So are shark attacks. And terrorism on our soil, for that matter. But all of them make for good newspaper copy, so it’s what you see everyday.

The protesters, the haters, the far left moonbats, they’re exactly the same. Exactly. Loud. Ugly. Interesting. They make for good reading.

But in reality, they’re so very small. So weak and limp. For every person who’d burn a flag, there are literally a million who look at with a lump in their throat and tears in their eyes.

The anti-American left is ultimately empty. Small. Worthless. It is truly a lot “sound and fury, signifying nothing.” Those people just do NOT matter. At all.

THESE people matter.

This is America. The real thing, not the NYT or CBS version. Not even the HotAir version. It’s a nation full of good people, simple people, honest patriots, who do their duty and live their lives.

This is America. We all need to remember that. And I needed the reminder.

Semper Fi, Sgt. Brand. You mattered.

Professor Blather on March 26, 2007 at 8:08 AM

God bless him and his family and friends.

SGT Mortis

Operations Just Cause and Desert Storm

Mortis on March 26, 2007 at 8:18 AM

Our thoughts are with the family

EricPWJohnson on March 26, 2007 at 9:02 AM

FAMILY SAYS “THANKYOU” (via http://www.heraldbanner.com newspaper):

Family members of Sgt. Emerson Brand issued a statement Friday night, in which they thanked all those who participated in the tribute.

“We are overwhelmed by the support shown by our community. The respect and honor that was shown by the citizens to a fallen soldier was incredible –beyond words. It helped us to see that we are not hurting alone. We felt the strength of your support, and it will help us to heal.

To see everyone there… from the youngest to the oldest, the veterans, civilians, firemen, police – everyone, from all walks of life was truly amazing. Unfathomable. Sgt. Brand represents all of our troops.

His request would be that America continues to remember the soldiers still at war. There are many families in this community who also have loved ones serving our country, and they should be remembered in your thoughts and prayers as well. The burden of war is unique. Anytime others willingly step forward to share that burden and acknowledge the expense of a life, such an act is noted and greatly appreciated.

To all of those who did, this American Family salutes you. Thank you for taking the time to show regard of the loss of our true American Hero!”

ricer1 on March 26, 2007 at 9:02 AM

What a wonderful show of support by the community. I’m sure that means more to the family than they’ll ever know.

darwin on March 26, 2007 at 9:21 AM

What can the radical left be thinking when they read a story like this? Probably something along the lines of “Figures, a not-too-intelligent person from a small town; he didn’t have any other choice so he went in the military”.

They just cannot understand the love that people like Sgt. Brand have for their friends, neighbors, and country; that they would give their lives to continue to secure our freedom. God bless Sgt. Brand, his family, and all of our military putting their lives on the line every day.

dalewalt on March 26, 2007 at 9:25 AM

The Soldier’s Creed:

I am an American Soldier.

I am a Warrior and a member of a team.

I serve the people of the United States and
live the Army Values.

I will always place the mission first.

I will never accept defeat.

I will never quit.

I will never leave a fallen comrade.

I am disciplined, physically and mentally tough, trained and proficient in my warrior tasks and drills. I always maintain my arms, my equipment and myself.

I am an expert and I am a professional.

I stand ready to deploy, engage, and destroy the enemies of the United States of America in close combat.

I am a guardian of freedom and the American way of life.

I am an American Soldier.

Limerick on March 26, 2007 at 9:36 AM

Well said Professor Blather—My sentiments exactly and what I would have said if I were as gifted in collecting my thoughts as are you and Bryan.I look forward to reading HOT AIR every day and seek out your comments as you sre a true patriot.God bless this soldier’s family for the sacrifice they have made.GOD BLESS AMERICA!!

PAPA BEAR on March 26, 2007 at 10:12 AM

Wow. I used to work at that airfield w/ L-3 Communications doing software for the last 3 years. I just moved into a new job…

That is very sad. I am happy though that everyone turned out to honor him.

msipes on March 26, 2007 at 10:19 AM

Rest in peace and thank you for your sacrifice. You are a hero.

wytammic on March 26, 2007 at 10:23 AM

RIP Sgt. Brand. May the Lord receive you into his loving arms and may He comfort your family and friends.
“Greater love hath no man than this that he would lay down his life for his friend.”
You have paid the ultimate sacrifice to defend our freedom, our security and our safety.
Thanks our not enough, but you have them.
I’m so glad my fellow Texans honored his sacrifice so well.

Jen the Neocon on March 26, 2007 at 10:53 AM

One of my leaders at the DFW USO is a Patriot Guard Rider. I saw his patch on his shirt yesterday and asked him about it.

BirdEye on March 26, 2007 at 10:58 AM

Bittersweet. Could have been my son. God Bless him and all his kin, both blood and service.

Bob's Kid on March 26, 2007 at 11:30 AM

I would strongly recommend that those of you who can, join the Patriot Guard. It’s free and all they ask is your time. You don’t need a bike.

Check out their website, read their mission statement. join. I did.

BobK on March 26, 2007 at 11:40 AM

God Bless his family and may he rest in peace. DaleWalt-you hit it right on the head. My brother was talking to my husband over the weekend lamenting the fact that his neighbor (in the liberal, moneied (SP?) town of Glen Ellyn, IL) was going to be heading to Boot Camp at Parris Island two weeks after his graduation instead of going to college as he had planned. My husband just shook his head and said, “here your sister wants to talk to you!”. That sentiment that this kid was just a small town boy with nothing else to do is one that is quite prevelant unfortunately.
What a wonderful town that he lived in.

Catie96706 on March 26, 2007 at 12:22 PM

Rest in peace, fallen brother at arms, you will NEVER be forgotten.

You will be AVENGED.

.

The Machine on March 26, 2007 at 1:04 PM

The protesters, the haters, the far left moonbats, they’re exactly the same. Exactly. Loud. Ugly. Interesting. They make for good reading.

But in reality, they’re so very small. So weak and limp…

Professor Blather on March 26, 2007 at 8:08 AM

…and filthy, especially from the inside…

Entelechy on March 26, 2007 at 1:41 PM

Rest in Peace, Sgt. Brand. My gratitude, prayers, and condolences to your friends and family. Semper Fi.

And thank you, Bryan; these stories are an huge boost to my faith in my fellow citizens.

htom on March 26, 2007 at 3:26 PM

From what I have seen, Texas knows how to honor their war dead. Makes me know that on our next local hero, I will be there. (retired USA)

navy1946 on March 26, 2007 at 3:31 PM

It’s a shame that we have to lose REAL Americans like this in order to defend the rights of pond scum protestors who “burned him” in Seattle and chanted “Bye bye G.I., in Iraq you’re gonna die”. Your freedom of speech was paid for by men and women like Emerson, ungrateful hippies.

Tony737 on March 26, 2007 at 8:00 AM

What I would give for them to feel the pain and sacrifice these Men among Men have….

From what I have seen, Texas knows how to honor their war dead. Makes me know that on our next local hero, I will be there. (retired USA)

navy1946 on March 26, 2007 at 3:31 PM

Texas and all of the South, save NO and parts of Florida (Oh and DC area Virginia….)

Tim Burton on March 26, 2007 at 3:40 PM

It’s a shame that we have to lose REAL Americans like this in order to defend the rights of pond scum protestors who “burned him” in Seattle and chanted “Bye bye G.I., in Iraq you’re gonna die”. Your freedom of speech was paid for by men and women like Emerson, ungrateful hippies.

Tony737

I am sick and f**king tired of this bs pc statement that has infiltrated the “American way.” We have a freedom “OF” speech not “TO” speak. Neither is their a freedom to be heard! I know alot of these lefty anarchists do this for effect but they should be rounded up and thrown into a good Muslim state and let themselves be “heard” there. You all know it. They should be silenced. I love the military. I appreciate like many here what they do for us and I am encouaged by them daily at thier committment, courage and professionalism in doing what they do as well as how they care for their own families. They ARE Tops!

auspatriotman on March 27, 2007 at 12:00 AM

Wow

My hats off to Sgt Emerson Noah Brand.

and all of the people in TX that showed support when he came back home.

F15Mech on March 27, 2007 at 12:12 AM

F15Mech on March 27, 2007 at 12:12 AM

As a Texan I can only say it was Americans who honored him.
All 50 tribes of us honor him for he overwhelmingly honored us. God bless you Sgt. Brand and God bless your family.

Limerick on March 27, 2007 at 1:35 AM