Respect
The first funeral I attended was my great-grandfather’s. He had been an admiral in the Coast Guard. The funeral took place at Arlington. It was most impressive!
I recall the volley. Wow! I thought it was 17 guns, but a quick research seems to indicate it would have been 19 guns.
The most impressive, to me, part of the event was the folding of the American flag that had draped the coffin. It was crisp. It was sharp. It was silent. Afterwards, the flag was presented to my mother.
There’s been a lot of controversy recently about this issue. At some point, during the flag folding a recitation was added. The recitation seems fine by me, but it is not part of the official military program. I do not believe there was such a recitation during my great-grandfather’s ceremony. Nor do I feel like the service lacked because of it. The official ceremony is impressive as it is.
I find it interesting the things that cause ripples with some.
Also blogged on this date . . .
- On Conservatism - 2009
- Dumb Bird - 2009
- On Voting - 2008
- Petty - 2007
- Night - 2006
- The Last Ship / Maritime Museum - 2006
- Head Cleaning - 2006
- Wow! - 2005
- FRAPPR! MAPPR! - 2005
- Opium Trade - 2004
