Posted by
Nee on Tuesday, May 26, 2009 4:47:39 PM
Normally, I post pre-Memorial Day. However, yesterday, my eldest kids were part of a parade for Memorial Day.
It was quite small. Our local American Legion Post #80 followed the fire engines. People got on their feet and were clapping…as it should have been. The ladies auxiliary also marched. And, we had the local scouts, baseball teams and the band. Two Blocks to be exact.
No matter. The important stuff followed the parade as the crowd fell in behind the parade procession to the park where a Memorial Day Ceremony was led by the Legion. (I’ve got video and pictures if I can figure it out). As I shot video while the National Anthem was played by the band, I got choked up and the camera was shaking…no tripod.
Several Legion members made a fallen soldier memorial as a tribute.
An Inspection of Arms, presentation of dog tags, helmet, boots, and folded flags and salutes.
Quite sobering if you have never seen it, more over, if you have, It stings.
There were prayers, recognition of local soldiers from WW1- to now, by name. And there were crosses bearing the dates of wars from 1776 on. At each cross was laid a wreath. We had a representative for WW2 , Korean , Vietnam, Desert Storm and OIF/Afghanistan who were met with applause for their service as they presented the wreaths.
The Honor Guard and riflemen were posted. A half-right face command was given. Ready! Aim! Fire! Three volleys, seven shots. The Eagle Scout stepped forward with his bugle. “Present Arms!” Taps is played as the tears fall and the goosebumps form. I will always cry if Taps is played. “Or-der Arms! Port Arms! Half-left face! Forward, March!”
It is then that any living veteran attending the service is asked to step forward when they hear the band play their service song. I waved my recognition as I was deep in the crowd. But, I gotta hand it to the Marines who stepped up. They stood at full attention and saluted the flag until their song was over. Guns, man you'd been proud of your fellow dogs!! It gave me goosebumps. They were certainly the few, the proud. They were Marines. I had to hand it to them. It was awesome. Truly.
We closed with a reading of Flanders Fields and a prayer.
The American Legion, Post 80, getting it right. It was the best ceremony I have seen short of being in DC.
Dave, I’ll miss you, but I will always remember you. 1964-2009.
May the road rise up to meet you…until we meet again.
To all those I know who have served and continue to serve, thank you.
For the fallen and their sacrifices of their future for our todays…Thank you will never be enough, but I won’t forget and I honor it, today and every day.
To all my fellow vets here on TH, I hope your day was as great.