Posted: 2/7/2004 11:54:36 AM EDT
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We buried my grandfather today. I was a pallbearer. He was a veteran of WWII with the Army, and of Korea with the Navy. The spent .30 cartridges read L C 0 2. I shook hands with 3 members of the Honor Guard, through tears. I couldn't catch the rest of them. The one old navy veteran was pushing a walker, but still stood tall when folding the flag, and still had a firm handshake. God Bless Raymond J. O'Brien Jr. The Chaplin said aloud: Almighty and merciful God, Father of all, amidst these monuments of the dead we see thy hand. In the depth of our sorrow we realize the truth of the inspired words, "I am the resurrection and the life, he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live." The march of our comrade is over and he lieth down in the house appointed for all the living. This grave reminds us of the frailty of human life and the tenure by which we hold our own. In such and hour as you think not, the final summons may come which no one disobeys. It seems fitting that we should leave our comrade to rest under the arching sky as he did in his days gone by, when he lay down weary and footsore by the roadside or on the field of battle. Our departed comrades of the Navy no longer hear the sound of the waves or float upon the bosom of the deep no longer sail beneath the peaceful skies, nor are driven before the angry storm. May each of us when our voyages and battles of life are over find a welcome in that region of the blest where there is no more storm tossed sea or scorching battle field. Our comrade is in the hands of our Heavenly Father, and "God giveth His beloved sleep" He will be laid to rest, but let us cherish his virtues and learn to imitate them. Let each one be so loyal to every virtue, so true to every friendship, so faithful in the remaining marches, he will be ready to fall out and take his place in that great review hereafter, not in doubt, but with faith that the merciful captain of our salvation will call him to that fraternity which on earth and in heaven remains unbroken. May the blessings and benediction of heaven be upon us and upon our comrades, wherever dispersed the world over. Amen 
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Quoted: Im sorry to hear that. We're losing our WWII and Korean veterans quickly. See if you cant chronicle his stories if he told you any. Keep his memory alive however you can. I only wish I knew more... and had asked more. Thanks again guys... I had a double shot of good Irish whiskey for him tonight, as did most of the rest of his family, I feel he is happy, and watching from above... tipping his own glass. Its a peaceful feeling. If I may share something he said many times, to many people, while he was fighting for his life this past month... "What would you do without grandkids?" Hits me hard, and reminds me, and hopefully all of us, just how important family is. The flag that graced his casket will be dontated, after a time, to the cemetary where he is interned, to be flown on Memorial day, as was his wish. |
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salute [USA] Goodbye to another of our countries true heros, the WWII generation was/is definately our greatest generation. When I see these men in Veterans Day parades carrying our flags (as the Navy vet with the walker) I want to salute every one of them. I stand in such awe of the WWII generation. I hope that I can be half of the man these Soldiers are. [sniper2][marines] COZ |
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