The Arlington Ladies

The American Spectator ^ | 5/27/2005 | Shawn Macomber

[Non-Sequitur]

As in most matters, however, the military prefers to focus on cohesion rather than dissension; on the ties that bind rather than the walls that separate. This is as true of funerals as it is of boot camp. Most people are aware of one aspect of this, the Honor Guard. But there is another unifying element, much less publicized than the 21-gun salute, but just as important in both a practical and symbolic sense. It comes in the form of a conservatively dressed woman who -- whether amongst a throng of mourners, seated alongside the family, or standing as the sole attendee -- is there to help shepherd the fallen soldier during his final mile.

[Non-Sequitur]

A somewhat dated article, but on this day it's only proper to recognize a group of women - and one or two men - who's only goal is to make sure that none of our departed veterans goes to his or her grave in Arlington National Cemetery without someone in attendance to recognize them and their service. A very sincere hat's off to all of them.

[2nd amendment mama]

What a lovely story...thanks for posting this.

[snippy_about_it]

Thank you for posting this. They are wonderful and very important.

[A.A. Cunningham]

much less publicized than the 21-gun salute

Three rifle volleys. The only military funerals in which gun salutes are fired are for Brigadier Generals ,O-7, and above. Only Presidents, ex-Presidents and foreign heads of state receive 21-gun salutes.

[kalee]

May God bless wonderful caring women.
Thank you Ladies.

[SuziQ]

If family is unable to attend a funeral, an Arlington Lady will send a letter describing the service and the day, right down to the sounds and smells in the air.
"What we do is always important and meaningful, but when you are alone at a funeral there is an added relevance," Willey said. "You feel an even greater need to be there, like you're helping to close the circle. For those grieving far away, a personal letter letting them know that someone was there can help soothe their sorrow. It shows them that their loved one's service was not forgotten and also that their loss has not been ignored."

What an awesome service to perform for our fallen military members.