Have you ever been a part of a military funeral? It is one of the most beautiful, most moving, most painful rites to endure.
My brother was killed in Viet Nam. He was only20 years old.
My father was so hurt and so proud. I do not remember seeing him cry before or after but he cried with a broken heart that day. He had been in the Navy during World War II and had seen some of the horrors of war. He never thought it would happen to his son.
In a case of military death an officer knocks on the door to inform the family. Mom was home alone that day. The officer waited with her until Daddy could get home from work. He then answered questions and tried to help them make decisions.
They decided on a military funeral.
My brother had a friend who idolized him. The friend tried to enlist in the Army. He felt that if he was a soldier he would go to Viet Nam and protect my brother.
The problem was that he was extremely overweight. The Army would not take him.
He went home and proceeded to lose about 150 pounds. The Army was then happy to have him. He was still in basic training when my brother died.
My family wanted him to be with us for the funeral. The officer said he would make the request but the Army hardly ever allowed anyone to interrupt basic training. My brother's friend was made a pallbearer and grieved with us. The funeral service was sad as all funerals are. Then the Army took over
The pallbearers carried my brother with the military guard around them.
After a short service at the grave site the soldiers removed the flag from my brother's coffin. They carefully folded it and presented it to my mother.
Then they began playing Taps. I always thought it was a haunting song. That day Taps just cut into our hearts.
The twenty-one-gun salute was almost like being shot.
I must tell you that the military funeral is so magnificent. It is so painful. I hope it will never be a piece of your life.
It is very moving to see them fold the American flag and hand it over to either the mother or wife. And they also do this for veterans, they did for my Dad, who was a WW2 vet. It was a cold day in February. I was most grateful for those soldiers in that freezing cold, honoring a fellow military man.
ReplyDeleteThey are wonderfully committed to their duties. It is truly a beautiful ceremony.
DeleteThank you, Emma, for sharing what was a painful family memory and so sad to read once again of your family's loss of a son and brother at such a young age. While no one in my immediate family has ever died in combat, I have seen photos and videos of the very moving services. The presence of your brother's friend was a heartfelt goodbye.
ReplyDeleteMy brother's friend did end up going to Viet Nam. He was injured there. Happily it was not too sereious and he made a full recovery. We attended his wedding after he was home.
DeleteI know such painful memories never leave you alone. Having such young death can make family suffer throughout their life.i saw my mother suffering from such pain all my life!
ReplyDeleteI was really sorry to your parents went to this dear Emma 🙏 🫂
It was hard for all of us but especially my parents. Thank you.
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