Despite the hot temperatures citizens from all over Jacksonville stood, side by side, along the welcome home route for Tyler Southern; a deeply emotional, yet at the same time inspirational
experience.
Americans wake each day and commence their routines with little or no thought as to the cost of this privilege. Today was an opportunity for both recognizing the cost of freedom and paying tribute to those who have made the sacrifice.

There were no strangers or hyphenated Americans present; we were all united and we were all Americans! We didn’t need councilors, diversity coaches, social analysts, or the like to explain to us or
to tell us how we should handle this situation. I felt today demonstrated the “heartbeat” of what makes this nation great; it’s people. We have a natural sense to help and when given a chance we step-up, it’s just what Americans do.

That being said, my fellow patriots and I thank you Tyler for your choice to “step-up.”