It took nearly a year and a half, but yesterday, my fathers service at Arlington National Cemetery finally happened. We had temps in the teens,with fresh snow, challenging for the attendees, but it sure made for a beautiful setting. He had the full honor guard, Caissons and drum/fife (larger band restricted due to the weather). It was pretty inspiring to witness. I pretty much held it together until they played taps. The SGM gave the flag to my mother.
I've had his urn in my living room since he passed (Nov '17) and I'd become accustomed to patting the top and chatting with him occasionally, I'll miss that.
We had a photographer take pictures, but below are some family members took.
My oldest daughter wrote this poem for her Pap, and that really choked me up.
A cold and blustery winters day,
We gather to say goodbye.
A war hero, but so much more,
To those he left behind.
We lay him down among his comrades,
Most he never even knew.
But all gave their lives n some gave all,
To the Grand Red, White, and Blue.
Our hearts fill with pain,
Not just for this goodbye.
But for every other cross we see,
And whom beneath it lies.
Not everyone had family,
Who came to say farewell.
Not everyone had bugles blast
As tears in eyes did swell.
So here we stand, our hero gone.
But full of pride, our hearts.
For his life long duty to the USA
Will never be forgot.
In Arlington our Pap will lie,
Among the very best.
On this cold and blustery winters day,
We lay him here to rest.
I've had his urn in my living room since he passed (Nov '17) and I'd become accustomed to patting the top and chatting with him occasionally, I'll miss that.
We had a photographer take pictures, but below are some family members took.
My oldest daughter wrote this poem for her Pap, and that really choked me up.
A cold and blustery winters day,
We gather to say goodbye.
A war hero, but so much more,
To those he left behind.
We lay him down among his comrades,
Most he never even knew.
But all gave their lives n some gave all,
To the Grand Red, White, and Blue.
Our hearts fill with pain,
Not just for this goodbye.
But for every other cross we see,
And whom beneath it lies.
Not everyone had family,
Who came to say farewell.
Not everyone had bugles blast
As tears in eyes did swell.
So here we stand, our hero gone.
But full of pride, our hearts.
For his life long duty to the USA
Will never be forgot.
In Arlington our Pap will lie,
Among the very best.
On this cold and blustery winters day,
We lay him here to rest.
