Honor Guard

tsubaki · #1 08-02-2011, 07:20 PM

Had the first time pleasure to witness an Honor Guard detail carrying out what an average person would consider “their job or duty” at my wife’s uncles burial today. He was 72 years old and retired from the 165th Air National Guard with various commendations as would be expected during 29 years of service.

I knew him for only the last 30 plus years, not really as my wife’s uncle but more as my father in law, strange as it sounds. He gave my wife to me just short of a week 29 years ago at our wedding. For most people, with the passing of a friend or relative there would be the normal feeling of sorrow, regret or emotional loss but I generally lack these attributes. As in this case my relationship was complete and fulfilled and the passing was considered just a part of life. The presence of The Honor Guard at his burial has completely redefined my entire perception of “death as being a part of life”.

Their meticulous precision removing the casket, carrying to the site, placement to the location, staying perfect in line during the whole service was only a precursor. After the service the bugler flawlessly performed Taps then followed by a 9 gun salute. The flag folding was performed with yet even more meticulous precision and presented to his 103 year old mother as was three rounds from the volley.

I still yet cannot get over the perfection this group of six performed with 95 degree heat in August to show tribute, reverence and appreciation to what was plainly one of their own. For me this was truly a moving and emotional experience I had not realized possible but I shouldn’t be surprised after wandering in Arlington for nearly 6 hours a couple of years ago with my wife.

It is very obvious our servicemen know and understand what they are doing for us. It’s simply our job to realize it.

Destroyer · #2 08-02-2011, 08:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tsubaki

I shouldn’t be surprised after wandering in Arlington for nearly 6 hours a couple of years ago with my wife.

It is very obvious our servicemen know and understand what they are doing for us. It’s simply our job to realize it.

I don't think I've ever heard it expressed more thoughtfully or more beautifully. I do believe you get it. My condolences to you on your loss.

SkunkBoat · #3 08-02-2011, 09:21 PM

When my father was buried in '86 there was a Navy Honor Guard. I was in the Navy at the time and also in uniform. I gave my dad a proper salute.
Several years later aboard my destroyer, we were performing a burial at sea of ashes for a WWII veteran. We did not have an official Honor Guard aboard. I volunteered for the rifle squad as a way of paying it forward. Believe me when I say we all took it very seriously. As the shots rang out, it was a very profound moment of acceptance and closure for me.

willy · #4 08-03-2011, 07:53 AM

Tsubaki,you and I have a lot in common, as I think many of us on this board do.
As an Army Military Policeman, performing the Flag Ceremony at end of the day, and dozens of Honor Guard assignments, were to this day my most vivid and truly profound moments of my life.
I cannot hear Taps bugled without tears forming.
My fourth trip to Arlington, was as deeply moving as the first if not more so.
it was my absolute honor to perform these ceremonies for men I had never met. They each affected me profoundly.
What you wrote above was beautiful.
The two most haunting and memorable things a man will hear in his life will be Taps performed by an Army Bugler and Ave Maria performed by a Police Bagpipe Honor Guard, especially at a loved ones funeral. And if that loved one is one who served, well when the shots ring out, honorable closure is at hand.

Road King Cole · #5 08-03-2011, 08:46 AM

ah yes. same thoughts from me with my dads funeral 2.5 years ago. What a wonderful job they did. It really made the ceremony special.

Only difference was that instead of the 95 degree heat, they were out there in blistering cold weather.

I cherish the flag that they folded and gave to my mother.

damn I still miss them both...

rkc

RidgeRunner · #6 08-03-2011, 09:25 AM

Here Here. Never served, but I get it. I cannot forget the same display when my father was layed to rest in 1976. I cherish his flag to this day. Only a couple memories of spending time with dad, he was only 39. I was 6, I shall Never forget the ceremony, still vivid in my mind. God Bless the men and women of our armed services.

NYC Memorial Day Parade - It brought a tear to my eyes. http://www.youtube.com/user/leeretiree

Sorry for your loss TSU.