On behalf of a grateful nation, we all sincerely thank him for his service to our country.

Important blog Fred. Thanks.

Lovely. We have a lot to repair in regards to our veterans.
On a different note, Taps was written(or rewritten) by General Daniel Butterfield and there is a statue of him across from Grants Tomb in Sakura Park. The phone exchange in that neighborhood was named for him, hence the movie, Butterfield 8.
We live in a magnificent book of stories.

My uncle was in the armed services during the cold war and received the same military funeral. it was so moving - and amazing to think that any one who has ever served is entitled to this kind of honor - I love America! And i hope we will get our political shit together soon.

We should never forget, and always be thankful for, the service of those who too often go unrecognized. Flo and I had the honor of doing so last week when we visited Pearl Harbor. Truly emotional and proud.

I was in complete awe of the sacrifice and dedication our soldiers give when visiting Arlington National Cemetery. Watching the Changing of the Guard, knowing what it takes to be a Guard and their unwavering commitment to their mission, is one the most humbling experiences I have ever had.

Have been to a few military funerals and like you I am always moved and like Paul says above, thankful for all who serve our country. Humbling and inspiring - thank you to all who have served and serve still.

Brigadier General Daniel Butterfield was a Union Army officer who also was awarded the Medal of Honor. How is it that the "quintessential" military funeral is a lonely and solemn affair in a setting of bleakness , pouring rain or the quiet solace of a raw winter day. Fred and Joanne you experienced the memory of a lifetime that day at Pinelawn. Not the happiest but perhaps the most sobering. My 22 year old son Lucas will be commissioned as a 2nd Llieutenant in the Marine Corps this Spring. Talk about another sobering occasion. What righteousness in this day and age of the naive millennial generation to step up and serve one's country in a time of such chaos and lack of leadership amongst us . As a former veteran I tell my son to fight for the soldier next to you , fight for the men under your command ,follow command decisions, think outside the box and the rest will fall into place . God's speed to all our men and woman in uniform. SEMPER FI !

Hollander Sends

Both my dad and step dad had similar funeral with the presentation of the flag at the ceremony. Mom had me take my step dad's flag. My step mom had the flag for my dad.

We had the same for my Dad, a WWII vet. It made me even prouder of my dad.