Man goes viral for honoring veteran funeral, and then shares his powerful explanation

“Yesterday during my Daddy’s funeral procession, led by the United States Marine Corps, my family noticed the man in this photo pulled over on the side of the road. His hat was in is hand and his hand was over his heart, honoring my father and our family as we passed by.

His respectful act touched my family and the entire procession so deeply. We passed many other cars along the way that simply went about their day.

Since his license plate showed in the photo, my daughter did some digging and we found him!!!

His name is Ernest Boerlin and he is also a veteran – US Navy.

When I messaged him privately to thank him for honoring my father, he said:

“It was an honor to show my respect for a fellow serviceman and their family. Please accept my prayers and condolences to you and your family for your loss. Fair winds and following seas. God bless.”

Thank you, Ernest. Your act of kindness and respect touched our family and friends very deeply and we are grateful. May God bless you and yours as well.

Let’s thank Ernest for his service and show him some love, y’all!”

Credit: Rona Wallace

I want to thank everyone for the continued outpouring of gratitude in the past week. I am truly honored to have made such a big impact on so many lives. I want to thank Skeeter Lothringer for paving the way as a fellow serviceman of the U.S. Marine Corps and Purple Heart recipient. His initial sacrifice and devotion to duty was vital to this Nation’s ability to maintain the many freedoms that we cherish and so many of us take for granted or abuse.

I only hope that my actions demonstrate what I was taught by my father; that patriotism, honor, and respect can’t simply be posted on Facebook alone but must be lived every day. What may seem as a small, gesture of gratitude and respect for you may have a big impact on others, as I have learned through the past days. I pray that my actions have encouraged others to be respectful and to continue to stand up for this great country and the fallen servicemen and women who have fought for us.

Credit: Ernest

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