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Joined:
January 2006
Posts: 1482
Location: Michigan | i just got back from the v.a. cemetery in holly michigan where i laid my father to rest.
the facility and the people there were the most professional and helping people i have ever met.
my family checked in to the main office and after handling some minor paperwork they escorted us to a pavillion where we brought the american flag and my fathers ashes.
the ceremony started with a 21 gun salute
( 7 servicemen ) firing three shots each and the playing of taps.then three servicemen came forth and unfolded the flag in front of my fathers ashes and opened it up and then refolded it and presented it to my sister & myself with three of the shell casings from the 21 gun salute saying that this flag is a symbol of a man who protected his country and all americans with his life .
it was 21 degrees outside with a 30 mile an hour wind that was brutal and yet all of the veterans stood at attention with a salute without even flinching from the weather.
all of these veterans who did this were all volunteers from the shelby township michigan v.f.w. post.
i just want to say that i have another new founded respect even higher than what i already have for all of our vets.
god bless all of the vets and thank you for putting my father to rest like a real hero that put his mark on this planet and made it a better place to live. GWB |
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Joined:
March 2005
Posts: 2791
Location: Atlanta, GA. | GWB,
Sorry for your loss.
My Dad also received the same Honorifics from a local V.F.W. post in Biloxi.
I did real well 'til they played Taps... |
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Joined:
September 2005
Posts: 3619
Location: GATLINBURG TENNESSEE :) | That ceremony IS very moving. I've been to quite a few for some of my comrades, and my father also. It makes me proud of our military and our country. |
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Joined:
December 2009
Posts: 143
Location: Ontario Canada | Hello GWB,
I am saddened at your grief. As one gets on in years we find that Remembrance Day is everyday.
Every year the Christmas card list and our little circle gets smaller. Chin up.
Sincerely.
Jim. |
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Joined:
September 2005
Posts: 3619
Location: GATLINBURG TENNESSEE :) | What really sucks is when you start to reach for the phone to call them, then you remember you can't anymore. |
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Joined:
December 2006
Posts: 6268
Location: Florida Central Gulf Coast | GWB,
A belated heartfelt and soulful 'Thank You' to your Dad for his honorable service and many sacrifices!
Our hearts and prayers go out to you and yours for your, and our nation's, loss.
I was privileged and honored to serve as an Honor Guard NCOIC for three months in the early '70s in the Denver area. In my mind, there's not a more somber but yet beautiful service as a full military funeral.
May your Dad rest in peace knowing that we appreciate and revere his accomplishments and memories! |
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Joined:
December 2004
Posts: 4394
Location: East Tennessee | GWB,
Thank you for sharing. And I am thankful for your Dad's service to our country. |
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Joined:
February 2008
Posts: 247
Location: Delaware | Your Dad is a hero, as all are our beloved veterans. My deepest sympathy goes out to you and your family. Dave |
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Joined:
May 2006
Posts: 4230
Location: Steeler Nation, Hudson Valley Contingent | Originally posted by Fridave:
Your Dad is a hero, as all are our beloved veterans. My deepest sympathy goes out to you and your family. Dave I couldn't say it any better. My sincere codolences to you and yours. My sincere gratitude for your father's service. |
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Joined:
June 2006
Posts: 7307
Location: South of most, North of few | Thanks for sharing that GWB, and I add my condolences for your loss. |
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Joined:
September 2002
Posts: 806
Location: Seymour, Tennessee | GWB I'd like to add my condolences as well.
When my Grandfather died and we buried him at our family cemetary outside of Athens, GA, the Marine Corps (He was a 30 Year Marine) sent around 25 Marines as an Honor Guard Detachment: Casket Bearers, Rifle Team, Bugler, etc.
Very moving.
Most of those services are indeed conducted by volunteers but mostly by older retirees.
I think more younger service members should get involved.
When I get back I've already made arrangements to assist with military burials at the near-by Veteran's Cemetary and am going to try to get some of my buddies in my Unit to participate.
I believe these types of services are so very important for family members and deserved by the former Military members. |
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Joined:
October 2007
Posts: 2711
Location: Vernon CT | GWB,
My condolences and thank-you for sharing your story. Very special. |
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Joined:
December 2009
Posts: 7
Location: Knoxville | GWB, I'm sorry to hear about your loss. My prayers be with you and your family. |
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Joined:
December 2004
Posts: 2150
Location: Orlando, FL | GWB, condolences to you and your family from me and mine.
Is is a very moving a special ceremony. It is a very fitting tribute to those who serve their country.
We will never forget my father-in-law's service. He was a retired pilot. During a moment of silence in the service a red tailed hawk's cry broke the silence as it flew over us. Now any time we see a hawk we think of him.
Thanks for sharing your story, I'm sorry for your loss. |
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Joined:
May 2009
Posts: 1433
Location: Right now? | GWB, My belated and deepest sympathy and condolences to you and your family at the loss of your father. I am so happy he was recognized for the hero he was and that you got to see how honored he was by others as well. God bless you and your family. I am so sad and sorry for your loss. He was a hero to us all.
;)
Willa |
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Joined:
March 2008
Posts: 2683
Location: Hot Springs, S.D. | GWB, I was going to respond to this yesterday but as I was typing I got too choked up. I was reminded of my own father, and yes, there's no way I can hear Taps now without crying. No matter how long it's been, our Dads will always be our Dads, and how lucky we are that we had such great ones. |
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Joined:
March 2005
Posts: 5567
Location: Blue Ridge Mountains | I do many funerals every year with local VFW military honors...we had them for my Dad at his funeral years ago...always moving and they are always professional no matter the weather...
GWB, sorry for your loss but I know you are proud of your Dad...I think I probably speak for all my fellow vets: it was something that needed to be done so we were proud to serve...as was your Dad and mine... |
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Joined:
December 2009
Posts: 143
Location: Ontario Canada | Originally posted by CanterburyStrings:
GWB, I was going to respond to this yesterday but as I was typing I got too choked up. I was reminded of my own father, and yes, there's no way I can hear Taps now without crying. No matter how long it's been, our Dads will always be our Dads, and how lucky we are that we had such great ones. 'Tis funny, I can't remember last years problems about computer and whatnot. Yet this I remember with no trouble at all. It's just me I guess. Can't help being an old softie.
A careful man I have to be,
A little fellow follows me;
I do not dare to go astray,
For fear he'll go the self-same way.
I cannot once escape his eyes,
What'er he sees me do, he tries;
Like me he says he's going to be,
The little chap who follows me.
He thinks that I am good and fine,
Believes in every work of mine;
The base in me he must not see,
The little chap who follows me.
I must remember as I go,
Through summer's sun and winter's snow;
I'm building for the years to be
That little chap who follows me.
Sincerely.
Jim. |
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Joined:
January 2007
Posts: 430
Location: WNC-God's Country | I dread the day....So very sorry for your loss.. |
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Joined:
January 2006
Posts: 1482
Location: Michigan | i thank all of you for your kind thoughts.my father passed in Oct 2009 but it took this long to get the family members together to do his final burial witch was done at the v.a. cemetery per his wishes.
my nephew is in an officer in the navy and assigned to a carrier out in the who knows where waters and his dad is a retired navy officer now in a high security job with a major aerospace firm so it was very hard to get all of us together for this burial.
the thing that was so cool to me was that not one of the honor guards personally knew who my father was or anyone else in the family who was there and i felt like these were the same people who were in the trenches fighting along with him and could of been my next door neighbors from the old neighborhood.
it is unreal to me that there is such a bond between war veterans from any war to care enough to do the great things that they do for each other to honor all veterans and their families.
it's kind of like this o.f.c. club , none of you have ever met me but you reply with kindness and good thoughts about my family and it makes me feel like we have been good friends who have known each other for ever.
thanks again.GWB ;)
http://www.wwiimemorial.com/registry/search/plaq.asp?HonoreeID=2020... |
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ot : heres to all of you veterans thank you