A Hero’s Tribute
Every detail of a full military honors funeral at Arlington is considered and choreographed to the fullest affect. The best word I can find to describe it is “overwhelming.” Close to 100 men and women are involved. A caisson with full Navy escort and the proverbial riderless horse led the way to the burial site about a quarter mile through the labyrinth of Arlington memorials. A Navy band played flawless accompaniment. After the flag was ceremoniously folded over the remains, a lone bugler standing a football field’s distance away began “taps” right on cue. The “Lady of Arlington” presided throughout, there to represent the President, the Navy, and the nation.
Ray never talked of his missions, his medals, or his sacrifices. That was all done for him at Arlington National Cemetery this past weekend. Among those of us participating, there were no dry eyes.