Memorial Day reflections
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Yes, let's not make it a day where of grilling and sales overshadow the sacrifice.
My youngest Son is currently in the Navy. He graduated Basic last August. He's contracted as a Seabee rate (CM). However, he was selected for the United States Ceremonial Guard in DC. He completed his initial training, and found himself cross trained as both Firing Party (Rifle/cannon salutes) and Casket Bearer. In the short time he has been a "Guardsman" he has attended hundreds of funerals, mostly in Arlington but also has traveled to other places, including The United States Naval Academy. He has learned an incredible amount about Arlington and the Ceremonial Guards mission in honoring our fallen Sailors and Marines.
He is only a couple hours away and comes home on weekends if he doesn't have duty or other Guard commitments. One weekend he showed us (using my M1A Rifle) the movements for 21 gun salute. It was incredible how precise each movement is. Most recently he came home during Casket Bearer training. He showed us how to present the folded flag to the family using my Wife as the family member receiving the flag. He was very precise. As he recited the words, even though it was just for show, I had never heard such respect from him. My Wife, and others in the room were struck and actually teared up. I've been to several military funerals. But watching him present that flag and speak those words so seriously was unreal.
This Memorial Day and each going forward will be different for him. I am so proud he has experienced this and has grown even more respect for our fallen. It's only a 2yr billet. He will move on to his initial contract rate training next year as a Seabee. But this command will have a special place in his heart throughout his enlistment/career and life.
He is only a couple hours away and comes home on weekends if he doesn't have duty or other Guard commitments. One weekend he showed us (using my M1A Rifle) the movements for 21 gun salute. It was incredible how precise each movement is. Most recently he came home during Casket Bearer training. He showed us how to present the folded flag to the family using my Wife as the family member receiving the flag. He was very precise. As he recited the words, even though it was just for show, I had never heard such respect from him. My Wife, and others in the room were struck and actually teared up. I've been to several military funerals. But watching him present that flag and speak those words so seriously was unreal.
This Memorial Day and each going forward will be different for him. I am so proud he has experienced this and has grown even more respect for our fallen. It's only a 2yr billet. He will move on to his initial contract rate training next year as a Seabee. But this command will have a special place in his heart throughout his enlistment/career and life.
I am trying to get my poem used by as many VFW and American Legion Posts as possible for Memorial Day services. I have tried to contact the National Legion with no luck. Anyone here is free to pass this on to their Legion Post and use it.
XUSNORDIE please show your son my poem. I would be honored if it was read at Arlington! My dad was an Operating Engineer and worked with many Seabees. Construction Mechanic is a good rating and very employable in civilian life. Please thank him for his service on my behalf. I will be working today as I do most holidays but am thinking of those brave men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice.
wheelgun1958
Hunter
Here's a very short clip of a Gold Star family. It's moving. 1:15
God bless our fallen heroes...
God bless our fallen heroes...
Hindsight and maturity take so long in developing.
God bless all out active and retired servicemen, veterans and KIA
I hope this country will come to appreciate their service, commitment and sacrifices in making this country great.
God bless all out active and retired servicemen, veterans and KIA
I hope this country will come to appreciate their service, commitment and sacrifices in making this country great.
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Bringing this back to the top for Memorial Day.
There are more American Legion Posts using it this year and I am trying to get the Legion to publish it for all of their members.
There are more American Legion Posts using it this year and I am trying to get the Legion to publish it for all of their members.
Tremendous honor for him
God bless all the Gold Star families. I can't imagine the pain. In my thinking the only thing worse is to find out you that your loved one's life was not sacrificed for the country but wasted due to the total stupidity of a commander or senior officer.
It really is. He has learned a ton of history about Arlington, the mission of the Ceremonial Guard, and even though he was raised to respect and honor the true meaning of Memorial Day he now has a deeper respect for it. That's because pretty much every day is Memorial Day for them. On a typical day as a Casket Bearer he will carry up to 6 caskets a day. Sometimes he single carries a urn. He hears and takes to heart the name, rank, and eulogies of the Navy/Marine members being laid to rest. He sees the families grieving, hears the words of the flag presentation. Active duty, retired and Veterans. He hears taps multiple times a day before he hears it at lights out/ rack time. Then he does it all over again the next day.
Here's a pic of him that a Navy photographer snapped during a plane side casket transport at Dover AFB. The Casket Bearers carry it from the plane to the hearse for the transport Arlington, and then carry it to the grave site.
His tour at the Ceremonial Guard is coming to an end. Mid July he will be off to Port Hueneme to finish his Seabee training as a Construction Mechanic, and then off the Gulfport MS for Expeditionary Combat School, and then his permanent command NMCB 1.
NOTE: The poem that Watertender wrote and posted here was in fact handed personally shown by him to a Navy Chaplain for consideration of being read at a service.
NOTE: The poem that Watertender wrote and posted here was in fact handed personally shown by him to a Navy Chaplain for consideration of being read at a service.
Ill bet TR
,
I'll bet Trump would read it.
Ill bet TR
,
,
I'll bet Trump would read it.
my favorite Memorial day song. I always post it in multiple places
This one always puts a tear in my eyes.
Remembering all who fell and those who loved them. :cry:
Remembering all who fell and those who loved them. :cry:
OP
contender
Ruger Guru
Thanks for bringing this back up.
When it comes to songs that dig deep into my soul,, cause tears to flow,, and give me pause,, "Taps" is as a haunting sound you'll ever hear.
And for more modern songs,, Track Atkins "Arlington" is one I truly stop & listen to. Sadly,, he hasn't gotten the respect for it as other songs/artists have for what they have done.
But I've been fortunate to hear Trace actually sing it live. There is no doubt in my mind where that man stands on respect for our military or his love for the USA.
When it comes to songs that dig deep into my soul,, cause tears to flow,, and give me pause,, "Taps" is as a haunting sound you'll ever hear.
And for more modern songs,, Track Atkins "Arlington" is one I truly stop & listen to. Sadly,, he hasn't gotten the respect for it as other songs/artists have for what they have done.
But I've been fortunate to hear Trace actually sing it live. There is no doubt in my mind where that man stands on respect for our military or his love for the USA.
...Amen.
Agreed. I have seen him live three times. One was a very small pier performance in Baltimore. That song was incredible.
Toby's Red White & Blue is another one, just a bit commercialized but gets me moved.
Jamey Johnsons "21 Guns"...is another one that decks me in emotions.
Many take "Taps" for granted........to hear "Taps" played with "Another on a distant hill"......will move you like no other.
I've only been to one funeral where the "distant hill" taps was played . It will always hit deep.
I find it odd that my Son has carried so many caskets in the past year and a half and has never attended a funeral where it was played.
The one that really hits him is the "missing man" formation fly over, maybe because I told him how it hit me........I've only attended one, but it was one squadron, who lost 8 aircrew, two aircraft. EA6B. Entire CAG attended.
Back to the top for 2026. More Legion Posts are using it for their Memorial Day services. Anyone here who wants to use it please feel free
