On Wednesday Feb. 21, while driving in the northbound lane of I-95 from my home in Newport on my way to Bangor, I saw a long funeral procession in the southbound lane. The body of Army Staff Sgt. Eric Ross was being taken to Augusta to his final resting place. I saw the hearse being followed by several vehicles that contained the family and friends of Staff Sgt. Ross.

Out of respect, I pulled to the side of the road. What I saw gave me serious pause. Watching this event from a distance, I was suddenly struck by a myriad of emotions that included pride, respect, sadness and anger. It was difficult to imagine the enormous sense of loss and sorrow being felt by those following that hearse.

As I sat in my car, I remembered recent and long ago events. In 2003, I saw Vice President Cheney say on national television that U.S. soldiers would be greeted as liberators in Iraq. Shortly after the initial invasion of Iraq, I saw President Bush stand on the flight deck of a Navy ship and declare,” Mission Accomplished.” Last November, I saw the American voter send a strong message to our political leaders that the current path in Iraq has failed and changes need to be made. Then I remembered events from my own time spent in Vietnam, so many years ago. What I saw in Vietnam and what I saw on this day on I-95 will stay with me forever.

To the family of Staff Sgt. Eric Ross, I want to convey my deepest and heartfelt condolences. May God grant you the strength to persevere.

Mark Carney

Newport