My parents and I went to KY for the funeral of one of dad's friends' son. He was killed in Iraq with two other men on Good Friday. Although it may sound morbid, the military funeral was very interesting. It's also damn difficult not to cry when you see even military men crying. His CO (Commander) gave a speech - it was a true tear-jerker. This CO loved the man - he really was hurting that he was killed. I never thought I'd see a grown officer cry like that... he could barely speak. Then I looked over and all the other Sailors were sobbing into handkerchiefs. I did okay during the service, but then we went to the funeral. I did okay through the prayers, but once they played Taps, did a 21 gun salute, and folded the flag... -shudder- I was a goner. Not a dry eye anywhere. But it was.. amazing. THe precision of folding the flags, the 21 gun salute, the saluting the flags and coffin, the passing of the flag from officer, to enlisted, to officer (they did a slow salute every time), and the poor CO was still sobbing. All the Sailors were just a mess, but the CO was the worst.
His wife did a good job until the very end. His older sister was a wreck. His dad was pretty composed, and his mom was worse than his sister. And his little boy... his little boy was so cute. I don't think he quite realized that daddy was gone, though. He'd been deployed to Iraq three times already, his son was probably used to him being gone. Poor child.
Day is done,
gone the sun,
From the hills,
from the lake,
From the skies.
All is well,
safely rest,
God is nigh.
Go to sleep,
peaceful sleep.
May the soldier
or sailor,
God keep.
On the land
or the deep,
Safe in sleep.
Love, good night,
Must thou go,
When the day,
And the night
Need thee so?
All is well.
Speedeth all
To their rest.
Fades the light;
And afar
Goeth day,
And the stars
Shineth bright,
Fare thee well;
Day has gone,
Night is on.
Thanks and praise,
For our days,
'Neath the sun,
'Neath the stars,
'Neath the sky,
As we go,
This we know,
God is nigh.
