Fort Hood soldier's body arrives at Midway
Holding American flags, a solemn crowd gathered outside Midway Airport this morning to pay their respects to U.S. Army Pfc. Michael Pearson — a 21-year-old Bolingbrook resident who was killed in a mass shooting at Fort Hood last week.
Shortly after 10 a.m., a white lear jet arrived at Midway carrying Pearson’s body. A dozen soldiers lined up near 63rd and Long as the Patriot Guard Riders pulled out of the south entrance to the airport. "Amazing Grace" played in the background as a silver Cadillac hearse carrying Pearson’s flag-draped casket pulled out, followed by a car with his family members inside.
(John H. White/Sun-Times)
"It’s so sad. It’s really, really sad," said Mary Baldridge, 56, who lives at 47th and Pulaski.
Kara Schoenle, 37, brought her two children to pay their respects. The family has relatives in the military.
"There are people out there fighting for our lives and for our freedom," she told Adam, 11, and Brookelynn, 7. "And then some person comes and takes their lives. It’s not much different than war."
The procession then headed to Bolingbrook, where it passed Bolingbrook High School, Pearson’s alma mater. More than 3,600 "somber" students stood outside, including 200 members of the junior ROTC program.
Caprisha Pritchett, 18, a senior in school and a member of ROTC, said Pearson’s death brought home the ultimate sacrifice military service can lead to.
"What went through my mind was if I should happen to go down if I join the military, I would want to be remembered in this type of fashion," she said. "If I die in the military, this is the most honorable way to go."
The procession also passed Pearson’s Bolingbrook home. It will end up at Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Rd., in Joliet.
A wake is scheduled for Friday and Saturday at the funeral home, followed by services at 2 p.m Saturday at the funeral home. Burial is set for 3:30 p.m. Saturday at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, 20953 West Hoff Rd., Elwood.