Emotional Evening

Tonight, many of our friends and neighbors paid their respects to 1st Lt. James Zimmerman.He began his journey home earlier in the afternoon from Bangor. The shiney black hearse, with two American flags adourning the front fenders, was followed by a small motorcade. As they drove home, the line of traffic behind them grew. Upon reaching Island Falls, it seemed like everyone either joined in or stopped and paid their respects as they drove past. From that point on, it seemed like every road, every parking lot and many driveways, there were people.

After the drive through Dyer Brook and his home town of Smyrna, they got back on 1-95 with now close to 200 cars behind them. When they arrived at Houlton, it seemed like a great deal of the town were lining the streets. Even in the rain, there were over 1000 people outside standing, and that doesn't even begin to count those who watched in cars , stores, and homes.

Friends, Classmates, Neighbors, Servicemen and many people who may never have met Lt Zimmerman watched with mixed emotions. Many tears were shed and many prayers were said. But there was also a great sense of Community Pride. The turnout was fantastic.

We got to honor one of our own sons this evening with an outpouring of love and respect not often seen.

Lt. Zimmerman gave the Ultimate Sacrifice and tonight thousands of people took a minute to say THANK YOU JAMES!!

Tonight, I am proud to live in Southern Aroostook County and it is fine young men like James who make this the great place to live that it is.

That's The View From My Couch