No matter where you are, or what you’re doing, being respectful is always a gesture that will be appreciated.
People like to display respect in a number of different ways, and everyone is entitled to do it as subtly or extravagantly as they like. When one U.S. soldier was snapped standing to attention in the pouring rain, however, the taker of the photo knew they simply had to share it for the world.
Unsurprisingly, the picture quickly went viral, with people clamouring to pay tribute to the soldier for his steadfast dedication. It was what he said after being identified, though, that really paid testament to his character …
Posted by Erin Hester on Saturday, September 24, 2016
July 6, 2017. Erin Hester was sat at an intersection on a highway in Vine Grove, Kentucky. It was there she spotted a soldier standing to attention outside in the driving rain. Confused, she watched him for a time, before realizing there was a funeral procession passing by. It was this that he was saluting, though he wasn’t part of the procession and didn’t know the deceased.
Hester knew that she simply had to take a photo of the moment. Her picture was uploaded to social media, where it garnered plenty of positive attention.
Hester wrote on her Facebook: “I was so completely touched by this today. A funeral procession was passing by and this soldier got out of his jeep to stand at attention in the pouring rain. I always get frustrated when I see cars that don’t pull to the side and stop for a procession, but this gentlemen went above and beyond.
I was so completely touched by this today. A funeral procession was passing by and this soldier got out of his jeep to…
Posted by Erin Hester on Thursday, July 6, 2017
“I feel pretty confident that there isn’t a military rule that soldiers have to do this. This made my heart happy to see the amount of respect that this gentleman showed a family that he doesn’t even know. #values #respect.”
Soldier identified
It was after her post went viral that WHASII located the soldier responsible for the heartwarming act. He was identified as Col Jack L. Usrey, the Senior Army Advisor of the Tennessee Army National Guard.
He refused to accept the praise given unto him, instead stating: “I also owe it to my parents, Jim and Judy Usrey, from Martin, TN. They taught me to do this from when I have memory.
“I’m humbled and surprised at the reaction to such a simple gesture. My first thoughts were about how the bad weather can’t be helping how the family feels and I was hoping my small action would let them know we care.”
You can see more on the story in the video below:
Col. Usrey might try and play his gesture down, but we think it’s both mighty impressive and a brilliant way to pay respect.
Please help us pay tribute to him by sharing this article on Facebook.
