I actually didn't hear this song until a few weeks ago, but I've been a Jason Isbell fan for a while, so knowing we are from the same area brings the connection. As I listened to this song for the first time, a memory clicked. It wasn't even a person I knew, but I remember sitting in my Grandparent's den, watching the news, when this story came on. Since I was younger, I didn't really understand why someone would have a funeral in their schools gym, but now I know. Now that I'm older, this song hits since I have a couple of friends in the Marines. It just feels weird, having a local connection to this song and remembering this happening, especially since it's about to be recorded by a major artist.