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PATRON
Riders take to county roadways for Dam to Dam ride. — Page 4
September 15, 2021
Proudly Serving Wabash County Since 1977
PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID WABASH, IN PERMIT NO. 233
Vol. 44, No. 27
A Hero Comes Home Four A-10s fly over the procession route in downtown Logansport on Sunday afternoon. Photo by Bill Ray By Jeff and Anginette Coleman
What does patriotism look like in America? Is it only during the 4th of July celebrations? Is that patriotism only there when we remember the 20th anniversary of 9/11? No, Sunday a true glimpse of what that true good old fashion American patriotism looks like was displayed. It was a reminder that patriotism truly never left our country as many would lead us to believe. For example, the news media stories and social media stories want you sucked into the idea that our country is so divided that we cannot stand united for anything. Yes, we have difference of opinions however today in a few small rural towns it was proved we as Americans still stand united. Sunday was one day after America remembered the 20th anniversary of all the lives lost during the worst terrorist attack on U.S. soil. Sunday was also the day an Indiana Hero returned home for the last time. That hero was Cpl. Humberto Sanchez a mere 22 years old. He served our country unwavering until his last breath. So many people knew him or his family personally and yet thousands more only knew what he and his family sacrificed for each of us and this country we call United States of America to have freedom. Sunday people began lining the procession route hours before Cpl Sanchez even landed at Grissom ARB. Driving the route he would travel, you could see thousands of
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people along the country roads and in the small towns leading to his home of Logansport. On the drive you saw people of all ages and race but you do not notice them as much as you notice the flags and signs they have posted. Hand held flags. Big flags on poles fastened to pickup trucks. Farm tractors and fire trucks with huge flags fastened between them. Or the lone bucket truck with its flag flying high above the corn field it was tucked into. Flags blowing in the wind as the sun shined thru them. The signs on the route were of different sizes and makes also, but the words were the same, “Thank you for your service” “God Bless” “Our Hero”. Sunday as Cpl Sanchez was brought from Grissom ARB to his home of Logansport there was no division only great unity. This was shown as the A-10’s flew overhead before the procession in the missing man formation. Then came the six Indiana State Police motorcycles followed by several state and county officers and the Logansport Police department. Another fly over by the A-10’s as Cpl Humberto Sanchez, laid in a white hearse, passed by followed by his family members. As Cpl Sanchez passed by flags were raised, hats were removed, hands placed over hearts and in the silence many prayers were lifted for the family. The A-10’s did a circle fly pattern over the front of the procession until Cpl Sanchez had arrived to the funeral home at which point they did one last fly over, in single file, over the rest of the procession that was filled with 9500
American flags flew from farm equipment (top photo) along the procession route, while a group of Scouts held flags.
An estimated 9.500 motorcyclists from a variety of clubs and organizations rode in the procession. Photos by Anginette Coleman
motorcycles. These motorcycle riders came from different parts of the US just to help escort CPL Sanchez home. This is what patriotism looks like in the United States of America. We do set aside our opinions and races to stand together. Let us stand together to continue to remember those who have fought for our freedoms. May we always be grateful for what we have. May we never forget Cpl Humberto Sanchez and all the other brave soldiers and what they gave for this country.
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