Chris Kyle's emotional journey to Austin

JARRELL, Texas (KXAN) - It was a cold and rainy morning as Chris Kyle's procession left North Texas on its way to Austin.

Along the way, thousands of people in dozens of small towns along the route, paid respect by standing alongside I-35.

"It's the least we can do, to stand here any time, any place," said George Trammell of American Legions 317.

View photos from Tuesday's funeral procession

Places like Jarrell are home to only a few thousand people, but they represent the sentiment of a nation.

"Small town America will be there for him, we are the backbone, here we are, "said Trammell.

"We're nobody to them, but we are somebody," said Tammy West of Jerrell. "We all care, we all have a heart and have feelings."

Generations standing side-by-side as the wind carried the red, white and blue. A moment of sadness transformed  into one of unity.