Friday during sixth block, the student body gathered on the front lawn for the funeral procession for Private First Class, Jesse Dietrich who died Aug 25 in Afganistan. Dietrich graduated from Venus High School but was raised in Mansfield. His funeral procession had an honor guard, leaving from Skyvue Funeral Home at 9:00 a.m. and going down Main Street before turning on Broad Street to go to First Baptist Church.
The Lions Club set out flags in his honor and will leave them up until Sunday night for 9/11. Some of the store owners and employees in downtown Mansfield stood outside waving flags as the procession went down Main Street. City Hall and the Public Administration building closed so their employees could line the route. The fire department also placed an engine at Broad and Main with a flag.
“As a parent, I feel for any family that loses a loved one. As an American, I have tremendous gratitude for those who have chosen to put their life on the line to defend the principles of this country,” Principal David Wright said. “As a principal, I have a great pride in seeing our students and staff recognize that “it is not about me, it is about others.”
[Read more about Jesse Dietrich here]
[nggallery id=20]
Midnight Williams • Sep 10, 2011 at 3:14 am
I was very glad to see all the people who stood out and honored Jesse. I was part of the procession and I can say from all of us that it really touched each of us. We really appreciated it. And I am sure Jesse was smiling down on us all. Thank you.
Maddie • Sep 9, 2011 at 9:24 pm
My father has recently returned from the middle east, but my one of my friends was not as lucky, losing her father to a roadside bomb. The fact that Legacy did this touched my heart, I am pleasantly suprised by the maturity a majority of our school showed. However, I was a little disappointed in the fact is was an “option” to attend this. I feel out of respect for the brave men and women who serve our country, they should attend no matter what. RIP, you are a real hero, Jesse.
Sara Coots • Sep 9, 2011 at 6:56 pm
I wish I could have been there to show my respect for this fallen hero, but since I couldn’t know that I said a prayer for the friends and family from where I am. May God bless the fallen and those still fighting! <3
Shelley Trammell • Sep 9, 2011 at 2:58 pm
As tears flowed and flags flew we stood on the corner of Broad and Walnut Creek just now to honor this fallen soldier. My passion is writing, and words can not be found this morning to express my gratitude for his couragous fight and unselfish service to his country. As a mother, that lump swelled in the back of my throat and a knot began to form in my stomach for what his family is going through. As an American I stood there, flag in hand, smile of gratitude on my face, PROUD to be an AMERICAN!! GOD MAY YOU CONTINUE TO BLESS THE USA!!
Myranda • Sep 9, 2011 at 2:47 am
It’s so sad seeing a friend and loved one die, but it brings great pride knowing he died a hero! I will always cherish the times I had with this great friend. He truly touched my heart in all the years I spent getting to know, love and care about him. He and all the others fighting for our country and our freedom are amazing and I am so proud and grateful for all that they do! They are all in my prayers to have a safe return.