Cemetary Watch

[LSCG]

someone sent this to a friend of mine and he passed it on to me so I wanted to share it with y'all.







My friend Kevin and I are volunteers at a National cemetery in Oklahoma and put in a few days a month in a 'slightly larger' uniform. Today had been a long, long day and I just wanted to get the day over with and go down to Smokey's and have a cold one. Sneaking a look at my watch,

I saw the time, 16:55. Five minutes to go before the cemetery gates are closed for the day.

Full dress was hot in the August sun Oklahoma summertime was as bad as ever--the heat and humidity at the same level--both too high.

I saw the car pull into the drive, '69 or '70 model Cadillac Deville, looked factory-new. It pulled into the parking lot at a snail's pace.. An old woman got out so slow I thought she was paralyzed; she had a cane and a sheaf of flowers--about four or five bunches as best I could tell.

I couldn't help myself. The thought came unwanted, and left a slightly bitter taste: 'She's going to spend an hour, and for this old soldier, my hip hurts like hell and I'm ready to get out of here right now!' But for this day, my duty was to assist anyone coming in.

Kevin would lock the 'In' gate and if I could hurry the old biddy along, we might make it to smokey's in time.

I broke post attention. My hip made gritty noises when I took the first step and the pain went up a notch. I must have made a real military sight: middle-aged man with a small pot gut and half a limp, in marine full-dress uniform, which had lost its razor crease about thirty minutes after I began the watch at the cemetery.

I stopped in front of her, halfway up the walk. She looked up at me with an old woman's squint.

'Ma'am, may I assist you in any way? '

She took long enough to answer.

' Yes, son. Can you carry these flowers? I seem to be moving a tad slow these days. '

' My pleasure, ma'am. '

(Well, it wasn't too much of a lie.)

She looked again. "Marine, where were you stationed?"

"Vietnam, Ma'am. Ground-pounder. '69 to '71."

She looked at me closer.

"Wounded in action, I see. Well done, Marine, I'll be as quick as I can."

I lied a little bigger:

"No hurry, ma'am."

She smiled and winked at me.

"Son, I'm 85-years-old and I can tell a lie from a long way off... Let's get this done. Might be the last time I can do this. My name's Joanne Wieserman, and I've a few Marines I'd like to see one more time..."

"Yes, ma'am. At your service."

She headed for the World War I section, stopping at a stone. She picked one of the flower bunches out of my arm and laid it on top of the stone.

She murmured something I couldn't quite make out... The name on the marble was:
Donald S. Davidson, USMC: France 1918.

She turned away and made a straight line for the World War II section, stopping at one stone, I saw a tear slowly tracking its way down her cheek.

She put a bunch on a stone; the name was:
Stephen X. Davidson, USMC, 1943.

She went up the row a ways and laid another bunch on a stone:
Stanley J. Wieserman, USMC, 1944.

She paused for a second and more tears flowed!!!

"Two more, son, and we'll be done."

I almost didn't say anything, but, "Yes, Ma'am. Take your time."

She looked confused.

"Where's the Vietnam section, son? I seem to have lost my way."

I pointed with my chin.

"That way, ma'am."

'Oh!' she chuckled quietly.

"Son, me and old age ain't too friendly."

She headed down the walk I'd pointed at. She stopped at a couple of stones before she found the ones she wanted. She placed a bunch on:
Larry W Wieserman, USMC, 1968,
and the last on:
Darrel K Wieserman, USMC, 1970.

She stood there and murmured a few words I still couldn't make out and more tears flowed.

"OK, son, I'm finished. Get me back to my car and you can go home."

"Yes, ma'am. If I may ask, were those your kinfolk?"

She paused.

"Yes, Donald Davidson was my father, Stephen was my uncle, Stanley was my Husband, Larry and Darrel were our sons. All killed in action, all Marines."

She stopped! Whether she had finished, or couldn't finish, I don't know.

She made her way to her car, slowly and painfully.

I waited for a polite distance to come between us and then double-timed it over to Kevin, waiting by the car.

"Get to the 'Out' gate quick… I have something I've got to do."

Kevin started to say something, but saw the look I gave him. He broke the rules to get us down the service road fast. We beat her.

She hadn't made it around the rotunda yet.

"Kevin, stand at attention next to the gatepost.
Follow my lead."

I humped it across the drive to the other post .

When the Cadillac came puttering around from the hedges and began the short straight traverse to the gate, I called in my best gunny's voice:

"TehenHut !!!"

"Present Haarms !!!"

I have to hand it to Kevin; he never blinked an eye--full dress attention and a salute that would make his DI proud. She drove through that gate with two old worn-out soldiers giving her a send-off she deserved, for service rendered to her country, and for knowing duty, honor and sacrifice far beyond the realm of most.

I am not sure, but I think I saw a salute returned from that Cadillac.

Instead of " The End ," just think of " Taps. " "

As a final thought on my part, let me share a favorite prayer:

'Lord, keep our servicemen and women safe, whether they serve at home or overseas.

Hold them in your loving hands and protect them as they protect us.' '

Let's all keep those currently serving and those who have gone before in our thoughts. They are the reason for the many freedoms we enjoy.

"In God We Trust."

Sorry about your monitor; it made mine blurry too!!!

If we ever forget that we're one nation under God, then we will be a nation gone under!

You are required to pass this on!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Colonialgirl]

Damn, I MUST need a New lap top, the screen on this one has gotten all blurry.

To return the Favor; "Tenhut" and I return a precise Military salute to you and Kevin.
Pamela
Navy Brat; Feb, 1941 to Aug 1953
US Army 1966-1968

 

[gramps]

My iPhone has the same problem Pam. Thank you Kevin. My father was a DI in WW2.
gramps

 

[contender]

This old Army soldiers computer must be as bad as the others here. Gotta check that.


So often, all to many, fail to grasp the sacrifices made by the folks at home.

 

[mishtub]

Well done Gyrenes, Well done!

 

[graygun]

I sometimes go to the natl cemetery at Ft Sam Houston;I pictured this happening there.

 

[FastEd]

Great story.

 

[Merle1948]

It's sad that she lost so much...

 

[Bob Wright]

And an old soldier's SALUTE to you, sir.

Bob Wright

 

[AR_hillbilly]

It does indeed cause a blurry screen. Ran a check on it and the reasons are quoted as "Pride" and "Patriotism", 2 of the best 'infections' we can have in my opinion.
As a Patriot Guard Rider I am honored to attend (too) many funerals for our military heroes. As a Ride Captain I often spend more time in contact with the family than the other Riders, some times it is very hard to take. At one last week I was asked to present a challenge coin to the widow and family. I had never done that and don't mind sayin I was plumb nervous! After the Flag was presented a member of the VietNam Vets MC presented her with a plaque, then it was my turn. Remembering what my wife had said one time about letting the family see my eyes if I ever did something like that, I took my dark glasses off and stepped in front of her. I managed to get most of the way thru what I had decided to say, then looked in her eyes, and heard some of the family crying. I don't mind sayin I lost it for a bit myself, but managed to kinda finish what I wanted to say and gave her the coin. She took the coin, and my hand, and we shared a few tears and both of us managed a small smile, and a mutual Thank You.

 

[sfhogman]

Lord keep them safe....

Foggy day in San Fran today. After reading this I do believe I'll go take a walk through the Presidio cemetery. And say a prayer or two.

Jeff

 

[Poco Oso]

Wow! No words here. Thanks LSCG.

 

[Ray Newman]

I have seen E-mails, posts, etc., about this alleged incident since the late 1990’s with several different variations involving the Marine Corps and the US Army. Believe that there also may have been one involving two USN vets or ”guards” at a National Cemetery. This is the first time I have seen it were the writer claimed he was a “volunteer.”

The first was supposedly written by an active duty member of the USMC. Then a later one claimed it was from a USMC veteran. Both claimed that they were guards or a former Marine security guard at a National Cemetery. Then another was from a supposed Army reservist who claimed that his monthly reserve weekend duty was to guard a National Cemetery gate.

Once again, I looked on the Vietnam casualty sites, such as the http://www.virtualwall.org/iAlpha.htm

There are still no Larry W Wieserman, USMC, 1968, or Darrel K Wieserman, USMC, 1970 listed.

 

[Poco Oso]

:roll: Rainin' up there in WA today?

 

[Rick Courtright]

Once again, I looked on the Vietnam casualty sites, such as the http://www.virtualwall.org/iAlpha.htm

Hi,

I've done the same, Ray, with the same results. But it really doesn't matter: the point of the story is made every time a screen blurs up...

And it reminds me there are some friends I didn't get to visit at Riverside National Cemetery this past Memorial Day. At least one new one, a high school buddy, has joined them since my last trip. Gotta go see them all soon, too.

Rick C

 

[ArmedinAZ]

Thanks for checking Ray and Rick. It doesn't diminish the respect or patriotism felt but we should be aware if we're reading fact or fiction.

 

[Ray Newman]

Armed in AZ: agreed

But what gets to me is that far too many people take anonymous or mass mailing E-mails as factual. For example, the other week, I received --again -- the E-mail story that the bravest man on Iwo Jima was Capt. Kangaroo. And awhile before that, I saw the same thing , except that it claimed Mr Rogers was the bravest....

 

[LSCG]

folks, as I said the story was sent to me by a friend who had it sent to him, chances are it's not 100 percent true though I imagine there have been many many events just like this happen but no one ever talks about it.

whether absolute fact or fiction the point of the story is to remind us about the sacrifices made by those that serve this country and the sacrifices of their family. if this story makes you feel more pride for your Country and more respect for those that serve then I don't see much wrong with it.

 

[Ruger Packer]

Fort Gibson National cemetery Oklahoma..... that reminds me I have been meaning to pay a visit to a former neighbor buried there who passed away while I was living out of state. He was a veteran of USAAF WW2, USAF Korea & Vietnam. Lt Colonel John R. Bilby.

 

[Colonialgirl]

Once again, I looked on the Vietnam casualty sites, such as the http://www.virtualwall.org/iAlpha.htm

Hi,

I've done the same, Ray, with the same results. But it really doesn't matter: the point of the story is made every time a screen blurs up...

And it reminds me there are some friends I didn't get to visit at Riverside National Cemetery this past Memorial Day. At least one new one, a high school buddy, has joined them since my last trip. Gotta go see them all soon, too.

Rick C

Rick;
Please, When you visit the National cemetery in Riverside, please say a Hello to my Mom, a Navy wife. My Dad chose to be cremated and buried at sea courtesy of the US Navy; As a Navy wife, My Mom had the privilege of being buried in the National Cemetery. Mrs Leona R. Dunn, wife of CPO Menzen E. Dunn, US Navy.

 

[Poco Oso]

I enjoyed the story, and don't really care if it's fact or fiction. It didn't happen to me, I wasn't there and don't know anyone involved. I just thought it was a good story. I guess I'm looking too hard for the bright side. Thanks again LSCG.

 

[Rick Courtright]

Please, When you visit the National cemetery in Riverside, please say a Hello to my Mom, a Navy wife. My Dad chose to be cremated and buried at sea courtesy of the US Navy; As a Navy wife, My Mom had the privilege of being buried in the National Cemetery. Mrs Leona R. Dunn, wife of CPO Menzen E. Dunn, US Navy.

Hi,

Will do, Pamela! Do you have a picture of her marker? If not, I'll try to remember to get one for you.

Rick C

 

[bikiboki]

Shouldn't have read that...just not right, going to bed with tear streaked cheeks and blubbering like a baby. May God shine his countenance upon them, and her.

Bill

 

[Colonialgirl]

Please, When you visit the National cemetery in Riverside, please say a Hello to my Mom, a Navy wife. My Dad chose to be cremated and buried at sea courtesy of the US Navy; As a Navy wife, My Mom had the privilege of being buried in the National Cemetery. Mrs Leona R. Dunn, wife of CPO Menzen E. Dunn, US Navy.

Hi,

Will do, Pamela! Do you have a picture of her marker? If not, I'll try to remember to get one for you.

Rick C

No I sure don't. I was there in California for her Funeral, but had to return home to Florida before they buried her. I know she didn't want a graveside service. Thanks, Mush appreciated.
Pamela

 

[Ruger Packer]

Please, When you visit the National cemetery in Riverside, please say a Hello to my Mom, a Navy wife. My Dad chose to be cremated and buried at sea courtesy of the US Navy; As a Navy wife, My Mom had the privilege of being buried in the National Cemetery. Mrs Leona R. Dunn, wife of CPO Menzen E. Dunn, US Navy.

Hi,

Will do, Pamela! Do you have a picture of her marker? If not, I'll try to remember to get one for you.

Rick C

No I sure don't. I was there in California for her Funeral, but had to return home to Florida before they buried her. I know she didn't want a graveside service. Thanks, Mush appreciated.
Pamela

You can go to Find-a-Grave and see if there is one already taken. If not, you can request one and someone will take a picture and post it on Find-a-Grave for you. FYI, I did check and there is no picture of your mother's grave stone.

 

[Rick Courtright]

You can go to Find-a-Grave and see if there is one already taken. If not, you can request one and someone will take a picture and post it on Find-a-Grave for you. FYI, I did check and there is no picture of your mother's grave stone.

Hi,

John, I checked with them as soon as Pamela asked, to find her Mom's plot number. (Pamela, please check your PMs.) As you found, there are no pictures posted except the generic entrance at RNC picture--who do you ask? The people who've "sponsored" the listing (for lack of a better term)? Or someone at the cemetery?

Rick C

 

[GA Cracker]

I read the story as posted for the truth and my screen was also a little blurry. I say thank you to all that served and I also say thank you to all of the family members of those that served. As I think about all who served and gave their all in WWI, WWII, and all other conflicts and I think about the pain of their family members I can't help but wonder how they would feel if they could see the condition of our country today.....

 

[Ruger Packer]

You can go to Find-a-Grave and see if there is one already taken. If not, you can request one and someone will take a picture and post it on Find-a-Grave for you. FYI, I did check and there is no picture of your mother's grave stone.

Hi,

John, I checked with them as soon as Pamela asked, to find her Mom's plot number. (Pamela, please check your PMs.) As you found, there are no pictures posted except the generic entrance at RNC picture--who do you ask? The people who've "sponsored" the listing (for lack of a better term)? Or someone at the cemetery?

Rick C

Rick, If you have a membership (its free) with Find-a-Grave you can become a volunteer to take pictures locally and also to request pictures. I have taken 2-3 dozen pictures locally for people that live in other parts of the country wanting to see a friend or family member's final resting place. And, I have put in requests for pictures from places too far for me to drive to. Sometimes it takes a few days. Just all depends on the volunteer at the other end. You post your request through Find-a-Grave website.

I already sent the request through for Pam's mother. To my surprise a picture was posted within 12 hrs. That is the fastest for any request I have made!!! Usually it takes a couple days to a few weeks. If you go to RNC now, you can see the picture.

If I can answer any more questions about Find-a-Grave for you feel free to ask!

John

 

[J Miller]

RugerPacker,

Thanks for the Find A Grave site. I just found my dads grave in WY there are pics.
He was a WW II Navy vet and died way too early at 54 years old.

Joe

 

[Ruger Packer]

RugerPacker,

Thanks for the Find A Grave site. I just found my dads grave in WY there are pics.
He was a WW II Navy vet and died way too early at 54 years old.

Joe

Joe, It really is a great site. Its been helpful to me in establishing dates of birth/death of older family members.