The
Forum:
An occasion
for solemnity and pride
To the editor on Sept. 21:
I just got the opportunity to read what you wrote about
Christopher Scott's Homecoming, and I would like to thank you for your
words. I would also like to give some insight as someone who was part
of his homecoming and services, if even in some small way.
As you may know, I started a Facebook Page for SPC Christopher
John Scott just after the news of his death. It was something that I
had hoped would simply be a place for people to leave messages for his
family. Most who know me know that I grew up in Dundee and that I am
a Scotsman through and through. I'm pretty sure I would bleed maroon
and white if you cut me. What I did not expect was the response the
page had.
In little more than 36 hours, the page was at almost 300
people and growing. To date there are 542 members and it continues to
grow. What I found was a spirit that I had not expected. What I found
was a town and numerous alumni from all over the United States -- and
even the world, including fellow soldiers who were with Chris when he
was killed -- desperately trying to find a way to comfort the Scott
family. I found myself, as did everyone else, at a loss, not really
knowing what it was that any of us could do. We all certainly wanted
to express our sincere regrets for the Scott family's loss, and we tried,
but given the circumstances, the words felt hollow, as there really
is nothing you can say that can truly console a family who has lost
a child under any circumstances.
So, the community of Dundee set to work, doing what it
does best. The people there jumped into action, placing yellow and black
bows (300 of them) on all the trees coming into town and out to the
cemetery. They put American Flags up every 5-10 yards, as well. From
one end of town to the other, and then to the cemetery. All of this
work was done by volunteers, trying to do their part.
There were people who had not grown up in Dundee, but
have become part of the community, who offered up their houses and businesses
(bed-and-breakfasts), at no charge, for friends and family of the Scotts
coming from out of town. It was truly a beautiful response by a community
mourning the loss of one of its own.
On the day of the procession, I am not sure what it looked
like at other points along the way from the airport to Dundee, but I
was in Dundee and the scene there was absolutely incredible.
It was the day of the Scottish Festival, so there was to be a parade.
What should have been a happy event was really community members putting
on their best smiles to cover their heavy hearts. The parade was dedicated
to SPC Scott, and it had some truly somber moments, such as the breathtaking
view of the Riderless Horse. Or Freedom Village's tribute to the Marines
at Iwo Jima -- a depiction of the Flag Raising -- or the Dundee Cheerleaders
wearing shirts honoring Chris Scott.
Once the parade was over, the mood changed quickly. It
became very somber, and very real. Students from the school, some football
players etc. walked the streets handing out flags to all who wanted
them, and yellow balloons that you could write a message on to be released
when Christopher was taken from the hearse into Baird's Funeral Home.
At this point you could hear the motorcycles coming. It
is worth stating that the streets were lined from the Black Rock Speedway
all the way to Baird's Funeral Home. I am not sure of the number, but
the News Channel said they thought hundreds. The Patriot Guard was an
incredible sight. In pairs they came through town and started parking
bikes on either side of the street. As they got off their bikes, they
started unfurling American Flags. Soon the van carrying the family started
down the road, as well as the hearse and the military detail. The silence
was deafening.
With his trip home complete, SPC Scott was taken from
the hearse and into Baird's while the Patriot Guard surrounded the building
and family with Flags and Stood at attention. "Breathtaking"
is the only word I can use to describe this scene.
The calling hours were also very somber, the Patriot Guard
taking up their positions “protecting” the family from whatever
may come that was unwanted.
The funeral service was incredible. Rev. Lucinda O'Leary
and Pastor Gary Michael Smith did a wonderful job. It was apparent that
even though Rev. O’Leary did not know Christopher personally,
she had done her homework and spent time with the family. The service
was full of great stories of Christopher growing up and being a part
of the same community that now was mourning him.
At the graveside service, the Military Detail as well
as the Patriot Guard lined the area as Amazing Grace was played
by a Bagpipe Detail. The flag folding was done and the flag presented,
and one of the most touching scenes was Jamie Richardson Sr. releasing
doves and pigeons. The view was breathtaking. Dundee’s young hero
was finally home and laid to rest.
I don’t know that anyone can truly understand the
pride that I feel being an alumnus of this community. Its show of love
and concern for SPC Scott and his family was mind-boggling. It is a
testament to small-town life -- the same small-town life that we all
chide with discontent, but is the crutch that we immediately look to
when we are in need. There are no questions, only an outpouring of love
and help when you are in real need.
I would hope that every small community that suffers
such a tragic loss would bond together as Dundee did to honor its returning
hero. I would also hope that the return of every soldier be an event
for that community, whether the soldier come home fallen, or well. These
young men and women do the job the rest of us can’t or won't do,
oftentimes with the ultimate sacrifice as in the case of Christopher
John Scott.
I would again like to convey my condolences to Ken and
Tammy Scott and the rest of Christopher’s family. I would like
to tell his fiance, Tori, how terribly sorry I am for her loss as well,
as she and Chris were to be married this past weekend. And to the “family”
of Dundee that I grew up in .... there are NO words for me to state
how proud I am of my hometown and your selfless actions during that
week. I am sure Christopher and his family are touched by the outpouring
of love and concern.
R.I.P. Christopher Scott, and thank you and all of your
Soldier Brothers and Sisters who continue to serve in your stead. We
wish you all a speedy and safe return.
Scott McCray
|