[Ed Straker]

Just thought y'all might find this interesting. Having served in the Marine Corps, and having worked in Funeral Service (not at the same time), I sure did.

[boxerblues]

There's nothing more impressive than a Marine Honor Guard, or any other Military Honor Guard.

[Nix 2]

It is the most beautiful and awful thing at the same time to see. Having seen it up close and personal, tho' blurry, it's a comfort and remains a vivid memory that will be with me to the end of days.

Semper Fi

[risk]

Marines attack at Princeton, 1777

There wouldn't be an America without the Marines.
Bump for a great feature on how they are laid to rest. Marines qualify for this service no matter how long they served or when they die. They stop at nothing to take care of their own.

Recruiting Poster

[lawgirl]

The body bearers drill for 15 hours a week in humble surroundings in the lower level of the Marine Barracks parking garage. Overhead, amber lights cast a dull glow on suspended industrial pipes. In a corner there is an assortment of caskets and a caisson used for practice. A wooden platform, which simulates the area around the grave site, is placed in the center amidst the parked cars.

These people deserve better practice facilities than this!!!!!!!!!! Now that is something my tax dollars would do that would make me proud! We should start a letter writing campaign or something.

[Dick Vomer]

My father was buried by a Marine Honor Guard . I saw the effect that it had on my 4 kids watching the dignity and honor they bestowed on my mother as the flag was presented and they fired a 21 gun salute. It still brings a tear to my eyes.

Marines take care of brother Marines.

Semper Fidelis

[Gritty]

Thanks for posting this.

[An Old Man]

Thank you very much for posting this.

Semper Fi

[A.A. Cunningham]

Sergeant Leah Cobble's photograph captured the reverent flag-folding ceremony during the funeral of the Marine Corps' 23rd Commandant, General Wallace M. Greene Jr., April 3, 2003, at Arlington National Cemetery. Leatherneck explores the mission and training of the Marine Barracks, Washington, D.C., Body Bearer Section in "The Final Escort." Body bearers pictured are (left column, front to rear) Lance Corporal Miguel A. Perdomo, LCpl Quentin C. Papenhausen, Corporal James M. Creighton, (right column, front to rear) Sgt Aaron V. Williamson, Cpl Troy A. Knoblauch and Cpl Benjamin J. Watrous.

The body bearers will march as far as two miles from the Old Post Chapel at Fort Myer, Va., to the grave site in all kinds of weather. Shown (front to rear, left column) are LCpl Miguel A. Perdomo, LCpl Sean M. Robinson, Sgt Aaron V. Williamson and (front to rear, right column) Cpl Benjamin J. Watrous, LCpl Quentin C. Papenhausen and Cpl Andrew C. Curtis. (Photo by Nancy Lee White Hoffman)