I just got back in from Atlanta. I'd like to thank everyone for the kind words in response to my original posting about my Grandfathers death.

My cousins husband is a Fayette Co. Sheriff's deputy and his best friend is a Fayetteville Police officer. They were originally planning to do the escort for the funeral procession. But, after we came out of the service at the funeral home there were 8 other officers standing at ease by their cars at the end of the drive. These guys were co-workers of my cousins husband and best friend. Seeing those guys really choked me up. I'm guessing that everyone that passed the funeral procession thought it was for a LEO because we had so many police escorts. I managed to hold back the tears at the funeral home. When we got to the cemetary I couldn't hold back any more. Seeing the Air Force Honor Guard doing the military ceremony was very moving. I was tearing up like a baby. I had never been to a military funeral before. The other thing that got to me was when they presented the American Flag to my dad. He is the oldest surviving child and the only one who served (USMC) and he wasn't expecting to be presented with the flag.

Msgt. Robert L. Hoeft retired from the Air Force after 20 years of service. He was then employed by and retired from Southern Air. He passed away at the age of 81. He will be greatly missed.

Condolences on the passing of another good American.  Be proud of him.

I'm very sorry for your loss, bh. Having served on many funeral honor guards, I know that the families were always gratified to see that their loved one's service and sacrifice was not forgotten. The words "the thanks of a grateful nation" were very much the truth. Very cool of the local SO and PD to turn out in such large numbers as well.

Bunghole, be proud of your "tears of a baby"... They honor a great man and do you proud

God bless you and yours - glad you made it back safely.

My condolences. The torch has been passed to the next generation, so go forward and make your grandfather proud.

Welcome back [b]bunghole[/b] from your solemn duties as the Grandson of an honorable man.

My Grandfather died in April, 1963, and I still remember it as if it were yesterday.

At the church, you know the one I pointed out in Crowell, where his funeral was held, I saw my Father cry for the first time in my life, and what an effect that had on me.

Although I was only 11 at the time, I knew that something both horrible and wonderful had occurred.

[b]Horrible[/b], because the man who had taught me a lot of things in my young life was being buried that day, and I knew that I would not see him again for a very long time.

And [b]wonderful[/b] because I witnessed the deep love and affection that everyone had for the man I both loved and admired!

And that love, affection, and admiration was sealed with my Father's tears.

Those tears that you shed for your Grandfather are worth their weight in gold, both in this world and in the world to come, and will never be forgotten in either.

God be with you and may He bring many pleasant thoughts of your Grandfather back to your remembrance!

Eric The(Saddened)Hun[>]:)]