Dear Editor:

Just one of the reasons I live in Morgan County: Respect. Today, I accidentally became a part of a funeral procession heading east on AL 36. After I stopped, I pulled in the line when there were no more cars following with headlights shining. First, I wish to commend the Hartselle drivers who respectfully pulled over to the curb. Then the units of HPD led the procession, carefully guiding it for about 8 miles. Beyond Hartselle, all the drivers stopped and pulled over. But the crowning event that caused me to write you occurred when the procession passed Sparkman Elementary. Every student and teacher on the playground stopped their activity, formed a neat line and stood at attention with hands across their heart until the very last procession car passed.

Southerners, especially those from Alabama, take a lot of criticism from those from other states. However, those people can not call us out for lack of respect. There are so many other great reasons to be proud of where we live. I challenge someone to write next week and illustrate another great reason or two why we can be proud to live in Hartselle and Morgan County.

Ellen Hodgen

Somerville, AL 35670