Burning the Chometz

Time to get rid of the stuff holding us down and back, both literally and spiritually.

A PERSONAL POST

A PERSONAL POST

My father was recently interred at Arlington Cemetery with full military honors. Here are a few photos.

As usual, just click on any of the photos to get a larger, higher resolution view.

This [above] is the honor guard and marching band outside of the Old Post Chapel in Ft. Myer, waiting for the casket to be loaded onto the caisson.

When we left the chapel after the services, we saw the honor guard and marching band for the first time. We could hear the band occasionally during the services … it lent an unexpected and indescribable air to the event.

When I first saw the honor guard, I was incredibly moved and a little awestruck. Dad had always said he wanted full military honors at Arlington, but I never really knew what that meant until now.

After a few minutes I remembered I had my camera [I've made it a habit to carry it around and it's small enough to fit in almost any pocket]. What follows are the few photos I managed to tick off as we marched through Arlington to the final grave site.

My family and I accompanied the caisson.

The pallbearers in dress uniform marched with us.

It was difficult to get a good shot showing just how long this procession was. Click on the image at top to get a better view. The marching band moved in front, followed by the honor guard, then the caisson and the pallbearers. Our family was immediately behind. Behind us followed the limos and cars.

I know that this is personal stuff, and I debated for a long time whether or not to post it. I think that I want you all to know, as I indicated above, that not everything here in DC is lunacy. There are still strong pockets of sanity and goodwill here. I think that this is a good year to remember that, and to do our best … all of us … to preserve it.