DaVinci's Notebook

America, Home of the Free Because of the Brave

Tuesday, April 24, 2012 By AryAnn Johnson

As the Precession came down Washington Boulevard many from the community took their hats off, put their hands over their hearts, and some even had tears in their eyes. Students from our school joined in on the viewing as many police officers, firefighters, and forest rangers came down before and after the fire truck that carried Officer Jared Francom. Many that viewed the precession felt almost every emotion possible. Dillon Stone talked about how some of his friends were terrible towards the police officers by saying that “the cops should be wearing vests since they are all in one place.” He thought that that was very disrespectful for it was a sad moment in Ogden’s soon to be history. Landon Kenney (12th grade), Tanner Fannin (10th Grade), and Sean Buchanan (11th grade) were all at the funeral route holding flags. They stood for 4 hours in honor of the fallen officer. Landon Kenney said that “even though I had to stand that long on the funeral route I was proud that I was able to do it.” Mr. Wasden said, “Even though I had classes that I had to attend to I thought that it was a nice tribute for the sacrifice of an individual for our communities’ safety. I was sad that it even happened, and I think that the police officers get a bad reputation even if they are caring for their family and community, but some of my friends are even cops and I realized that this could happen to anyone and that if it did I would understand from my own perspective, and it would just be sad.” The funeral Precession took an hour to go from the Dee Events Center to the Ogden Cemetery. Within this service there were many people from all over the community. Many people silently stood with an American flag in their hand that was passed out earlier in the afternoon to show pride for our country and our officers. Chloe Buchanan said, “Even though I wasn’t able to see it, because I was in class, it still seemed like it was a good way to commemorate for someone who was protecting our community. Jaicey Cragun had a different idea, “I just think that this was just blown out of proportion for what it was, and I think that death is just what happens there shouldn’t be a huge event for one man.” Many students felt the sorrow of that day as they knew that the funeral was happening and many tears were going to be shed. Ashlee Davis said that she “had felt sad for the family, but it was a good way to commemorate for the officer.” Landon Mata said, “It was a good way for them to do the funeral. I felt sad yet I mostly just felt proud for what they do for the community, and for how many fellow officers and firefighters came and joined in on the precession and the funeral.” Even though this was a sad day for many, it also showed how many people do truly care for our community, for our country, and for our law enforcers, because without them then there is no Home of the Free because of the Brave.