Our main reason for heading north to Northern Virginia and Washington D.C.
this weekend was to attend a special funeral at Arlington National Cemetery.
If you've had a relative or friend buried here you will know just how
amazing, and captivating, a full military funeral is at this truly hallowed ground.
No names are necessary. Our dear friend was a highly decorated US Army officer,
and Bob's commanding officer during his tour of duty in Germany in the 1960's.
He later became a lifelong friend to us.
Funerals are never happy times and most I've attended always seem to be
damp, with both rain and tears!
This one was no different with a light shower.
Following the mass in the historic Old Post Chapel at Fort Myer, we
followed the somber beauty of the the Old Guard (3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment)
attending the horse-drawn caisson, a mile through the hills of the verdant cemetery
to the grave site.
attending the horse-drawn caisson, a mile through the hills of the verdant cemetery
to the grave site.
The US Army band played, the honor guard carried the flags, the gun salute
resounded across all those hundreds of thousands of white headstones,
and Taps was played in the mist on that green hillside.
I was impressed at the precision and meticulous turnout of the soldiers, men
and women who are here for us, serving this ever precious country.
At this celebration of life for a special man who will be greatly missed,
I was proud to be a naturalized American.
If you are interested in the history of Arlington National Cemetery in
whose 624 acres have been buried the dead of the nation's conflicts from even
before the Civil War, a total of over 400,000 brave men and women, you will find
this article most enlightening.
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What awesome photos! I've been there & been in awe at the sacrifices that have been made. And we are so glad to have you as a fellow citizen! By the way...my sister-in-law is from England.
ReplyDeleteWhat an impact that would be to witness in person. So sorry for your loss. Dear friends leave holes in our heart and their memories will sit there forever.
ReplyDeleteMy brother-in-law is there. A true hero and helicopter pilot who was shot down twice in Vietnam trying to save those who were injured. I feel so for those who returned after that war.
ReplyDeleteMy grandfather was in the Army .. Gunnery Sgt .. and when he got out, he joined the Marines .. He was supposed to be buried in Arlington Cemetery but instead he asked that he be cremated and have his ashes scattered in the desert. My mom found a place where there was one large lone cactus and it was shaped like a Cross. There is where his ashes were scattered. Condolences on the loss of your friend.
ReplyDeleteSo glad he was honored with such a wonderful ceremony!
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry to hear of the passing of your friend. The funeral shows the respect and dignity of the people that fight for our countries. A very fitting funeral to a great man. xx
ReplyDeleteA sad and solemn occasion for your greatly respected friend - he must have been held in high esteem.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry for the loss of your good friend, Mary. The photos are very moving and beautiful.
ReplyDeleteGoodbye good SOLDIER. You have perform your duty well. May you rest forever in peace and comfort. Your sacrifices will not be forgotten.
ReplyDeleteGOD bless AMERICA
Bob Sullivans brother John
What a loving and very moving tribute to your friend, Mary, at Arlington National Cemetery a beautiful home for heroes indeed.
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