Tuesday, July 14, 2015

Death and Friendship. . . . . . . . . .

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.  
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.



10 comments:

  1. 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.

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  2. What 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.

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  3. My 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.

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  4. My 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.

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  5. So glad he was honored with such a wonderful ceremony!

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  6. I 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

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  7. A sad and solemn occasion for your greatly respected friend - he must have been held in high esteem.

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  8. I'm sorry for the loss of your good friend, Mary. The photos are very moving and beautiful.

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  9. Goodbye good SOLDIER. You have perform your duty well. May you rest forever in peace and comfort. Your sacrifices will not be forgotten.
    GOD bless AMERICA
    Bob Sullivans brother John

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  10. 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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