Several days ago, my dear father-in-law, retired US Air Force Colonel and double war veteran (World War II and Korea) was laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors. Between tours of duty during two wars, and reserve duty, Eliot dedicated 36 years of his life for his country. A master cryptographer and coder, we all knew him as a wordsmith, nailing the NYT crossword puzzle in 30 minutes or less, and crushing anyone who dared play Scrabble with him. Thanks to my dear friend Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyoming), a beautiful tribute to Eliots military career was read into the Congressional Record the day of his burial. . I had never experienced a formal military burial procession. In a word, it was breathtaking. And very emotional. Beginning with the religious ceremony at the Memorial Chapel and then then the processional through the entry of the cemetery nearby, every step is precisely executed by the multitudes of highly trained honor guard, pall bearers, Caisson Platoon, US Army Fife and Drum Corps, riflemen and bagpiper. I took the video below while being driven in the first car behind the caisson procession. Watching it, Im overwhelmed with sadness as I view countless graves over endless green acres. Im filled with grief for and pride in Eliot, who will rest in peace beside his fellow patriots. As the caisson made its way to the gravesite, listen carefully as all you hear is the clip-clop of the horses footsteps, and the steady rhythmic tap of the drumbeat, as the six horses pull the flag-draped casket on the black artillery caisson. (The caissons were built in 1918, and used for 75mm cannons. They were originally equipped with ammunition chests, spare wheels, and tools used for the cannons. Today these have been removed and replaced with the flat deck on which the casket rests.) The band played America the Beautiful, followed by the buglers Taps, the riflemens three gun salute, and then far up on a hill, standing by himself surrounded by rows of white headstones, the bagpipers mournful and haunting notes echoed throughout the cemetery. Most deeply remembered was when, once the flag had been carefully folded, the head of the honor guard, kneeling on one knee, presented that triangle of American freedom to my husband, noting that he did this on behalf of the President of the United State of America. The reception that followed at the Fort Myers officers club was an opportunity for family and friends to recount endless Eliot stories, told with a mix of sadness, love and laughter. By days end, although emotionally drained, we were grateful to have had this extraordinary way to celebrate Eliots 95 years of life as father, husband, brother, and patriot. Im deeply grateful for Eliot and this wonderful country. God bless America. May you rest in peace, dearest dad-in-law.
Posted on: Sun, 07 Dec 2014 16:05:18 +0000
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