About a week ago, several out-of-town members of the Knights of Columbus attended the funeral of a dear friend, Tom Chady, and noticed something different.

After services at Saint Michael Catholic Church, the procession started its way along Halls Ferry Road to the frontage road along Interstate 20. As the police escort slowly and reverently made its way along Halls Ferry, we noticed vehicles in the right lane stopped and pulled over. We normally expect this courtesy the first mile or so from the church, but the kind and gentle people of Vicksburg did something remarkable. Once on the frontage road and past two interstate exits, every vehicle stopped and pulled over — no one broke into the procession — a man on a bicycle even stopped along the roadside.

At each intersection, a Vicksburg patrolman stood by his car with his hand over his heart. We were speechless.

About noon on a Friday, when traffic is expected to be heavy, the good people of Vicksburg took the time to show their respect for our friend.

Larry J. Tabor

Past state deputy

Danny Lechner

Immediate past state deputy

Noel Aucoin

State warden