Leland's funeral
I'm back from my cousin's funeral at Arlington and I have to say that was one of the most beautiful services I've ever been to. For anyone who doesn't know what I'm talking about, here's the short version: My mother's cousin Leland was in a plane that was shot down in WWII.(1944) The plane wasn't found until 2004 when the Bent Prop Project discovered in in the water off the island of Palau. After bringing up the wreak and doing DNA testing, we were finally able to lay the soldiers to rest this past Thursday.
The men were buried with full military honors and the military really went above and beyond anything I expected. They had visitation at the funeral home the night before the service so the families could meet and talk about their loved ones. They even had a book for each man for everyone to sign.
And the President of Palau was there for it all which meant a lot to the families. He went around and talked with everyone at the visitation and the reception. He was sincere and down to Earth, definitely one of the nicest people I've ever met. He even came to each table and apologized when he had to leave the reception early.
I think one of the most heartbreaking parts of the service was when the soldiers folded up the flag that had covered the casket. Seeing the soldier gently take the flag and hold it to his chest was so touching.
The men were buried with full military honors and the military really went above and beyond anything I expected. They had visitation at the funeral home the night before the service so the families could meet and talk about their loved ones. They even had a book for each man for everyone to sign.
And the President of Palau was there for it all which meant a lot to the families. He went around and talked with everyone at the visitation and the reception. He was sincere and down to Earth, definitely one of the nicest people I've ever met. He even came to each table and apologized when he had to leave the reception early.
I think one of the most heartbreaking parts of the service was when the soldiers folded up the flag that had covered the casket. Seeing the soldier gently take the flag and hold it to his chest was so touching.