I went my Uncle's funeral at Arlington, 21 gun salute, flag presentation, taps. It was one of the most emotional experiences of my life.
They asked us if we wanted someone to play taps, but I knew I would lose it if they did. Since dad did not retire from the service they would not do the gun salute, but that was fine with us. The cemetary was beautiful, especially with bright sunshine and a fresh new falling of snow, and the service was reverant and touching. I took one picture that I will cherish just after it was over. It was dad's casket inside the outdoor shelter with all the bronze plaques representing each branch of service above it.
I am proud that 1235 caskets in Arlington have my fingerprints on them.
Three rifle volleys, not a 21-gun salute.
When they play taps, I can never keep back the tears. Nor do I want to.