Attended Arlington Service (many pics)...

[loutent]

I had the honor and privilege of attending the Arlington Service of a WWII vet and career Officer this past Thursday. It was an altogether awesome and moving experience. After the service at the Chapel, we were led by caisson to the grave site - about a mile away. Along the way it was inspiring to see visitors & tourists stop in silence, hand over heart or saluting as the caisson passed.

I know that there are many here that would appreciate seeing some photos that I took (photography is permitted and I was asked to take photos by the family.)

God bless our vets.

 

[24spenser]

Thanks Lou.

 

[35Rem]

Thank you for the photos. Arlington is such an awe inspiring place. I had the opportinity to visit in the 8th grade. I understand so much better 20 years later.

I feel silly asking, but the grave markers that only have numbers at the top, are they occupied, or not?

Arlington by Trace Adkins
Trace Adkins - Arlington - YouTube

 

[A10]

I had the honor of recently attending a funeral at Tahoma National Cemetery. A close friend, retired Naval Chief Warrant Officer, passed from cancer on January 2.

Thank you for sharing the photos.

 

[CQB27]

Every responsible american should visit Arlington once in his/her life. I too have witnessed a funeral there. It incompassed many things, sadness, beauty, honor, dispair. I can't really explain it. I love Arlington, not like one loves a specific place, more like one loves freedom.

Edit to add: Beautiful photos, the family will look back on those for generations to come and remember. A very wonderful gift you provided them.

 

[Indiana George]

Honor and respect.

Thank you, Loutent.

 

[mike4sigs]

Very nice !!
Thanks for sharing !!

 

[TOM BECKWITH]

Thanks Lou, shared it with a number of friends. Last Sept. sent my grandaughter (and one WWII vet) as an escort for an "Honor Flight" to Washington. My daughter will be doing the same in April. For many old timers it will be the last - and often ONLY time to see Washington including the WWII Memorial and several other Memorials and to attend a "Changing of he Guard" at Arlington. My dad (WWI) is at Arlington. There are "Honor Flights" in many areas of the US and a cause worth supporting. We are losing them fast, so the opportunity is worth considering. Got my spot picked out here in SC at the local vet's cemetary.

 

[HAWKEYE10]

The veterans deserve Arlington and more. God bless them all. Don

 

[Frank237]

Thank You for taking the time to post the photos. Brings a tear to the eye simply looking at the photos.

Visited Arlington 30 years ago. Unforgettable place.

FN in MT

 

[jdlii]

I had the honor of escorting Dave Richmond, Major, USAF ret. his wife, daughter, squadron buddies and friends to his final resting place at Arlington. To say it was a moving experience, would be an understatement.

Walking slightly behind the honor guard, I noticed that the ranking member would call out " eyes right" or "eyes left" as we passed through the hallowed grounds. I understood the reason on hearing the first command. The honor guard was acknowledging the grave of each Medal of Honor recipient as we passed their final resting place.

The requirements to become a member of one of the services honor guard units is quite impressive.

Rest well, Dave "Mongo" Richmond and keep flying top cover!

 

[monet61]

Wonderful photographs and a fitting tribute. Thank you for sharing.

 

[rodeo kid]

Very moving, thank you and God Bless.

 

[ChuckS1]

He was a major general, if I saw the flag and saddle blanket correctly.

 

[KarmannGhia]

Military and Police Officer funerals are awe inspiring and will bring a tear to you eyes. I have been to more that I care to. "Taps" will start my water works. These men (and women) deserve no less. It's been years since I visited Arlington and a trip there should be on every American's bucket list. LOUTENT, thank you for the pics.

 

[longhorn too]

Very impressive. He must have been highly decorated to receive such an honor.

 

[amazingflapjack]

I grew up in the area, have seen the cemetery from many vantage points, including the air, but like many Washingtonians, haven't been in it-or up in the Washington Monument. I have several friends there. A pair of brothers I grew up with both went to 'Nam, the older one got shot up bad and ended up losing his leg, the younger one went in at the same time I did and was KIA. The older one pours a six pack on his grave every year on the aniversary. Another friend was KIA on his third tour with the 5th Special Forces Group-up with the 'Yards. He told us he wouldn't be back when he was home between tours. He was that kind of a guy. Had the first 409 425 horse chevy in the area-and a BSA lightning Rocket as well. When presented the flag at Arlington, his mom threw it in the face of the officer. Tough duty. I remember flying over very low, preparing to land a National Airport (then) not long after JFK was killed, and seeing the "eternal flame" on his grave. Very impressive. Arlington started out as a temporary burial facility for the fallen from the battle of Bull Run, I believe. It belonged to Gen. Lees' father in law, but became the Generals after they were married, hence the name "Lee Mansion." It is the only Veterans Cemetery opperated by the Army; all of the others are overseen by the Dept. of Veterans Affairs.

 

[Beemerguy53]

Thanks very much for posting these photos. They are just beautiful, and a moving reminder of how much America owes to her warriors.

I live only about 75 miles from Arlington, and have visited there many times over the years, especially when my sons were young. It is a very moving place, inspiring sadness, respect, love, admiration, and patriotism all at the same time, and I am always moved when I go there.

 

[Skip48]

What a moving post. I thank all Veterans for their service to our Nation!!! Skip48

 

[mhakel]

My son is buried at Arlington Nat'l, died in a Navy helicopter crash, Oct 1995.
Member of Honor Guard pledge,(for life)
1. never swear
2. never drink
3. never smoke
I meet one on a motorcycle ride once who claimed he is keeping his pledge, he was 64 years old.
When it comes to quality people there are non finer.