He was a veteran, so he was given a soldier's send off. Have you ever seen the flag folding up close? It's like a choreographed dance. A soldier is at each end of the flag. They look neither right, left nor at the flag but straight ahead at each other. One soldier folds: One fold. One step forward. Eyes never leaving the other soldier. Another fold. Another step. Gazes still locked. And so it continues until the flag is completely folded. At that point, one of the soldiers gives it to the remaining spouse with words of appreciation. It's a very moving ceremony.
It's never easy losing family, but it's a blessing knowing that he had a long life and lived each day to the fullest. Can't you just tell from the picture that he was a happy man?
Southern Illinois had a lot of flooding, mainly in the fields. We also encountered it on one of the roads we were on, but made it through
53 comments:
It is indeed a blessing knowing that he lived a long and happy life.
Thank you for sharing some of the emotion. You are so very right about that photo too. Stunning.
Glad you are safely back home, and that your uncle was appropriately honoured at the funeral. Military funerals are always very moving. Wonderful photos!Take care of yourself! Hugs, Valerie
What a moving tribute to your uncle. And what a great description of the flag folding. They seldom get it right in the movies.
Now that you are home, you can grieve at your own pace. I'm sure this has been quite tiring and trying on you, but you shared this experience with love and dedication to an uncle you obviously cared a great deal for.
So sorry for your loss. Knowing he had lived a long, happy life is definitely a comfort amidst the sadness...
Thank you Sandra for showing us an insight of indeed a happy man and a well loved member of your family.
May he R.I.P. God bless him and all your family.
Yvonne.
My sincere condolences. My father had a military funeral. Flag was folded into a triangle and presented to my mother. There was a solid, comforting dignity to it. He had been proud of his service. I was only 10 years old, and felt less alone because of it.
Yes! So sorry for your loss Sandra...
I don't do funerals, years since l've
been to one, the next one l go to will
be mine! Period!
Though both sides of the family have lived
to a ripe old age...Mio Nonno, he was the
eldest to die at 106. And, l have a large
family, but then, most Sicilians do...! :).
Oh! By the way..your home is leaning over a
bit..l should get it seen to, before it falls
over....! HeHe! :).
He did live a full life. Yes, I have seen the flag folding and it's impressive. God bless the men and women who served our country.
Having a full life is all we can really ask for in the end. Never seen it folded but on tv.
So sorry for you loss. I've never seen a military funeral. My grandfather was a veteran, but he didn't have anything like this.
My father is buried in the state veterans cemetery. The service in the chapel with flag ceremony, gun salute (outside), and taps was very moving. How lovely your aunt and uncle had many years of marriage together. Rain at funerals makes me think even the angels are crying. And the sunset in the mirror? Looks like uncle arrived to a warm welcome at his destination. Godspeed, Uncle Bob.
An honorable funeral indeed. There is a group that rides motorcycles in processions here.
Glad you are back and he left with a fitting send-off. That same system flooded around here too and it is amazing clouds can hold that much rain.
I'm so sorry for you and your family's loss. I don't do funerals anymore. I just fall apart.
It is indeed, EC.
Yes, that photo is amazing isn't it?
Sorry to hear about your uncle. My grandfather passed away at 80 not long ago. It was the first funeral in awhile for me but it wasn't too sad as he lived more than a long life. My brother had a stillborn son and that funeral was REALLY sad.
Welcome back. That was an honorable way to send him off.
Thanks, Val. It was indeed moving.
Hugs back,
Thanks, Elizabeth. Your warmth came through in your words.
Blessings.
Thank you, Heather. It is indeed.
Thanks, Yvonne.
I appreciate that.
Thanks for sharing, Geo. That had to be hard losing your father when you were that young. Hugs,
If your family is anything to go by, Willie, you've just hit middle-age:)
On the house: Ha!
You are so right, Pat. I really admire people that live each day to the fullest and don't get sidetracked on negativity and apathy.
Thanks, Jamie.
I think the family requests them.
Thank you, CJ. Those words warmed my heart.
There's one here too. Must be national.
Thank you, Donna.
And amazing for sure on the liquid in those clouds!
Thank you. I understand, S.J.
It is heartbreaking when we lose the young ones. And to rework CJ's words, even the angels must cry.
Oh Sandra, it does sound like a beautiful and memorable memorial and I know being with family was great comfort for all. It is a bit easier when the life has been one that is long and well lived. But it is still a loss.
I have indeed seen the folding of a flat at two different military funerals. It is spellbinding. When Rick is north with his cousins they do this with the flat as well. One day I'll post my little video on my blog. It is indeed choreography.
My husband's brother had a veteran funeral. He was also a political prisoner in communist Romania. A pity for his youth lost years.
Yes, your uncle looked a kind, happy man. God rest his soul!
Thanks, Di. It was indeed.
Thanks, Regine.
Thank you, Jeanie. I'd love to see the video.
Oh, Carmen. I'm sorry to hear about your husband's brother. Sounds like it was a very difficult time.
Sandra;
praises to your aunt and uncle; 66 is something no one will ever see again; or it's highly unlikely. I hope your aunt fairs well ...blessings to her ♥♥♥ with thanx to you Mr Horntrop for your service to the country and sincerest sympathies to the family you leave behind ♥♥♥
My mom was born Feb 10, 1928 so my mom is the same age as your aunt and uncle. Did he fight in the Korean War? I only say this because he would have been 17 when WW2 ended. I think having the flag folded and given to your aunt is a great honour and glad to see they do this for soldiers young and old. We would not be here today if it wasn't for their courage. It's a nice photo of your Aunt and all of you. Your aunt is one lucky lady to have been able to share 66 years with the man she loves because few today can say they have had a love that lasted as long as that. I'm glad you made it home safe and sound and now you can rest
Very emotional post Sandra...also a very beautiful post.
Your uncle did look like a happy man who enjoyed his life. Your aunt looks wonderful! She and your uncle were very lucky to share all of those years together.
He was honored in a beautiful ceremony. I cry every time I see our flag being folded. My father-in-law and my dad also had the flag folding ceremony plus the rifle salute.
I am happy that you are home safe and sound and made through the flooding and yes, that was a cool photo in the sideview mirror!
Hugs 💕
Thank you so much for your kind words, blessings and thanks.
So pleased to read you are back safe and sound.
This was a lovely post to look at and read. He did indeed look a happy man and how wonderful to be married for sixty six years.
That picture in the side view mirror was just great!
All the best Jan
You're right, Birgit. He was in the Korean war.
And after sixty-six years they were still very much in love.
He was happy, Jan. Every day was a good day:)
The flag folding is amazing isn't it.
Thanks for the welcome home:)
PS. I love the side mirror shot.
Thank you, Jan. It's good to be home.
He was indeed happy and had a wonderful marriage.
I like that picture too.
He won't be forgotten...his memory will be cherished.
For sure, Lee.
Welcome home my friend! That must have been such a moving ceremony! Your Uncle looks like such a happy man, that really enjoyed life! I love the pictures you shared! Thank you! I'm glad you made it home safe! I love the sunset photo too! Big Hugs!
So sorry for your loss, the funeral must have been so moving.
Sorry for your loss. I love that photo of you and your siblings with your hands on your aunt. What a lovely show of support.
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