Although it may seem to some that American Pride is a "thump your chest look at me" pride, in contrast, American Pride is more of a lump in the throat and ache in the chest as we honor our fallen. The flag of the United States is a symbol of sacrifice and freedom because freedom has a price.
My grandfather was KIA while stationed aboard the USS Fuller during a Japanese bomb raid. He’s buried at the Punchbowl in Hawaii. My Dad always wanted to be buried at Arlington, however, my mother developed cancer around the time of his death, so my sister and I made the difficult decision to have him buried at Brig. General William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetary so she would be able to visit his grave as she became more and more ill. She’s now buried there, too. During Dad’s burial ceremony, I tried to remain as stoic as I could for mom, but when the Cdr. got down on one knee to present her with the flag, his words just about destroyed me… “On behalf of the President of the United States, the United States Navy and a grateful nation, please accept this flag as a symbol of our appreciation for your loved one's honorable and faithful service.”
Listened to Taps every night during my four years at USCG Academy. Made me stop and think for a minute or two. Aboard ship the pipe at 2200 each day is, "Taps, Taps, lights out. All hands turn in. Maintain silence about the decks. The smoking light is out about the ship." Reveille at 0600 and the day starts anew
Recky, your decorum is greatly appreciated. For a solemn ceremony such as this, nothing but dignity and respect is afforded this soldier. Servicemen around the world, of every country, are thanked for their service of the greater good...thank you for your service. We all work and hope for a better world, where life is not given in return for the greater good. May god bless and protect our servicemen.
My family and I were visiting the cemetery at West Point a few years ago right after an accident that killed several cadets. We had no idea that there was a funeral that day. We stopped quite a distance back so as not to intrude and bowed our heads. We saw them fold and then hand the folded flag over to the mother. It was when they started playing Taps that I completely lost it… Without a doubt one of the most moving and humbling moment of my life.
I'm a Navy vet. My Daddy was a WW2 vet injured in an explosion on the ship he was stationed on. Military funerals make me cry like a baby, especially when they play Taps . They offered to pl;ay Taps at his funeral. I wanted to, but mom didn't. So it wasn't played. Thank you for showing so much respect to our military and to this man--the ultimate hero.
My dad was USN 1946-1948. Go Navy! It is special duty to be in an honor guard. Airmen in our unit volunteered and won medals for excellence. One of our church members was on the USS Arizona and survived.
There are dozens of such "national cemeteries" across the U.S and around the world. We honor each warrior and soul from all our wars - From the Revolution down to the present day.
That is what I did in 1981-82. Photos of me in Arlington National Cemetery, at the Pentagon, ect. That is why I try to get people to watch the US Navy Drill team. When those guy are not drill teaming, they were out there on ceremony with the rest of the "US Navy Ceremonial Guard".
I understand this all to well. My Great Uncle Paul died 15 days after his 19th Birthday on April 16th by a Suicide Bomber Plane. He as located right where the guns were/ Just recently was able to get a photo of him.
I didn't find this ceremony sad. I found it to be beautiful. The sad part was him being an unknown for so long. The family of his generation and his parents did not get closure. I couldn't even imagine the heartache the family had all these years. Now he gets properly recognized and his family can hopefully find closure.
The battleship Oklahoma was the one that turned over at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941 when Japan started the war against the USA. Only two battleships did not get repaired and rejoined the fleet, Arizona and Oklahoma. It took months and years to upright the Oklahoma to remove all the dead bodies. It is amazing that over 50 years later they could identify the dead with DNA science so that a proper funeral could be performed.
Thank you for reacting to this. This is the first time I've seen this particular video. I cried like a baby. I can't imagine how so many families of unidentified soldiers feel. It must be excruciating to have to wait so long... Too many times mothers, fathers, siblings, grandparents and other family and friends have gone the rest of their lives, and since died, waiting to hear the confirmed fate of their loved ones. I pray they are all reunited and find each other in the afterlife.
Navy funerals get me as soon as they start to play the Navy Hymn, Eternal Father Strong to Save, which they played as they carried the casket to the grave. And of course, the flag ceremony is both beautiful and heartbreaking. Thanks for sharing.
"Anchors Aweigh" my brother, rest in peace. The first song being played by the band is The Navy Hymn, "Eternal Father, Strong To Save". The folded flag is traditionally presented to the wife or the eldest son with the words, “On behalf of the President of the United States, [the United States Army, the United States Marine Corps, the United States Navy, the United States Air Force or the United States Space Force] and a grateful nation, please accept this flag as a symbol of our appreciation for your loved one's honorable and faithful service.” The Chief Petty Officer reached in his pocket and handed something to the man whom the flag was present to. What he handed him contained 3 shell casings from the rifle volley. The 3 casings represent "Duty, Honor & Country". This is the first time I've seen an Admiral present the flag to a family member, he was followed by a Captain (Navy Captain is equivalent to a full Colonel in the other branches of the service). The gold shoulder boards let you know the flag presenter was an Admiral. Now have to go get a tissue, there seems to be something in my eyes.
both my grandparents are buried at Fort Custer National Cemetery near battle creek MIchigan my grandpa was in the navy he was radioman on the USS Kula Gulf was a Commencement Bay-class escort carrier cve 108
You may know that American President Ronald Reagan was an avid horseman. Try to watch his funeral of his horse beeing guided. His boots are placed backwards across the saddle to signify he will never ride again. (Well I believe he will.)
Although it may seem to some that American Pride is a "thump your chest look at me" pride, in contrast, American Pride is more of a lump in the throat and ache in the chest as we honor our fallen. The flag of the United States is a symbol of sacrifice and freedom because freedom has a price.
❤💔, such true words. Nothing but respect for this American pride and our flag.
My grandfather was KIA while stationed aboard the USS Fuller during a Japanese bomb raid. He’s buried at the Punchbowl in Hawaii. My Dad always wanted to be buried at Arlington, however, my mother developed cancer around the time of his death, so my sister and I made the difficult decision to have him buried at Brig. General William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetary so she would be able to visit his grave as she became more and more ill. She’s now buried there, too. During Dad’s burial ceremony, I tried to remain as stoic as I could for mom, but when the Cdr. got down on one knee to present her with the flag, his words just about destroyed me… “On behalf of the President of the United States, the United States Navy and a grateful nation, please accept this flag as a symbol of our appreciation for your loved one's honorable and faithful service.”
Whenever they play taps I cry every time 🇺🇲❤️🫡
Me too
I get a lump in my throat also.
Listened to Taps every night during my four years at USCG Academy. Made me stop and think for a minute or two. Aboard ship the pipe at 2200 each day is, "Taps, Taps, lights out. All hands turn in. Maintain silence about the decks. The smoking light is out about the ship." Reveille at 0600 and the day starts anew
Recky, your decorum is greatly appreciated. For a solemn ceremony such as this, nothing but dignity and respect is afforded this soldier.
Servicemen around the world, of every country, are thanked for their service of the greater good...thank you for your service.
We all work and hope for a better world, where life is not given in return for the greater good. May god bless and protect our servicemen.
Recky, thank you for giving this the honor it deserves. God bless you, Carol and the kitties ❤
My family and I were visiting the cemetery at West Point a few years ago right after an accident that killed several cadets. We had no idea that there was a funeral that day. We stopped quite a distance back so as not to intrude and bowed our heads. We saw them fold and then hand the folded flag over to the mother. It was when they started playing Taps that I completely lost it… Without a doubt one of the most moving and humbling moment of my life.
Rest in Peace Sir.
Day is done, gone the sun,
From the lake, from the hills, from the sky;
All is well, safely rest, God is nigh.
😢
I'm a Navy vet. My Daddy was a WW2 vet injured in an explosion on the ship he was stationed on. Military funerals make me cry like a baby, especially when they play Taps . They offered to pl;ay Taps at his funeral. I wanted to, but mom didn't. So it wasn't played. Thank you for showing so much respect to our military and to this man--the ultimate hero.
A military funeral is so somber, sad but honorable. Always brings tears to my eyes.
My dad was USN 1946-1948. Go Navy! It is special duty to be in an honor guard. Airmen in our unit volunteered and won medals for excellence. One of our church members was on the USS Arizona and survived.
I was a Pallbearer for my uncle. One of the worst days of my life but yet felt honored at the same time. One of the only times I saw my dad cry.
In this same theme, check out the video: Marine Corps Body Bearers | The Last To Let You Down.
Thank you Navy. As a navy man myself I was happy to see so many sailors, young faces, showing great pride and professional in action.
There are dozens of such "national cemeteries" across the U.S and around the world. We honor each warrior and soul from all our wars - From the Revolution down to the present day.
That is what I did in 1981-82. Photos of me in Arlington National Cemetery, at the Pentagon, ect. That is why I try to get people to watch the US Navy Drill team. When those guy are not drill teaming, they were out there on ceremony with the rest of the "US Navy Ceremonial Guard".
This service was so downkey because every single burial there is done exactly the same way. No one veteran gets honored more or less than any other.
We love our service men and women. You're so sweet to get teary eyed
I understand this all to well. My Great Uncle Paul died 15 days after his 19th Birthday on April 16th by a Suicide Bomber Plane. He as located right where the guns were/ Just recently was able to get a photo of him.
Visiting Arlington Nat'l Cemetery physically takes your breath away. It is truly sacred ground. You feels the souls pass through your body.
I didn't find this ceremony sad. I found it to be beautiful. The sad part was him being an unknown for so long. The family of his generation and his parents did not get closure. I couldn't even imagine the heartache the family had all these years. Now he gets properly recognized and his family can hopefully find closure.
The battleship Oklahoma was the one that turned over at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941 when Japan started the war against the USA. Only two battleships did not get repaired and rejoined the fleet, Arizona and Oklahoma. It took months and years to upright the Oklahoma to remove all the dead bodies. It is amazing that over 50 years later they could identify the dead with DNA science so that a proper funeral could be performed.
The Navy Band played “Going Home: Theme of The Local Hero”; composed by Mark Knopfler.
Thank you so much Recky Sooo much 😢
Thank you for reacting to this. This is the first time I've seen this particular video. I cried like a baby. I can't imagine how so many families of unidentified soldiers feel. It must be excruciating to have to wait so long...
Too many times mothers, fathers, siblings, grandparents and other family and friends have gone the rest of their lives, and since died, waiting to hear the confirmed fate of their loved ones. I pray they are all reunited and find each other in the afterlife.
Thank you Recky for reacting to this with so much respect.
Navy funerals get me as soon as they start to play the Navy Hymn, Eternal Father Strong to Save, which they played as they carried the casket to the grave. And of course, the flag ceremony is both beautiful and heartbreaking. Thanks for sharing.
"Anchors Aweigh" my brother, rest in peace. The first song being played by the band is The Navy Hymn, "Eternal Father, Strong To Save". The folded flag is traditionally presented to the wife or the eldest son with the words, “On behalf of the President of the United States, [the United States Army, the United States Marine Corps, the United States Navy, the United States Air Force or the United States Space Force] and a grateful nation, please accept this flag as a symbol of our appreciation for your loved one's honorable and faithful service.” The Chief Petty Officer reached in his pocket and handed something to the man whom the flag was present to. What he handed him contained 3 shell casings from the rifle volley. The 3 casings represent "Duty, Honor & Country". This is the first time I've seen an Admiral present the flag to a family member, he was followed by a Captain (Navy Captain is equivalent to a full Colonel in the other branches of the service). The gold shoulder boards let you know the flag presenter was an Admiral. Now have to go get a tissue, there seems to be something in my eyes.
both my grandparents are buried at Fort Custer National Cemetery near battle creek MIchigan my grandpa was in the navy he was radioman on the USS Kula Gulf was a Commencement Bay-class escort carrier cve 108
Thanks Recky! You have a big ❤!
I believe this was also the casket where the ash of the daughter(?) of the deceased was put inside so the two could be buried together.
"Slowhand Salute" sailor.
Gustav I Vasa .. the Golden King .. "Vasa, always Vasa"
You may know that American President Ronald Reagan was an avid horseman. Try to watch his funeral of his horse beeing guided. His boots are placed backwards across the saddle to signify he will never ride again. (Well I believe he will.)