Posted on 04/01/2010 1:17:15 PM PDT by Oldeconomybuyer
Oh, how sad...
God Bless this family, that marine, and all our military members.
Gotta go find tissues now.
“That has to be the toughest job of any service...”
There were two movies about this made recently;
“Taking Chance” based on a true story, with Kevin Bacon, who was really fantastic in a great and Patriotic movie,
and another one I won’t even mention.
That has to be one of the hardest things to do in his life.
I was on the honor guard in the Air Force as the officer in charge and had to present many flags to the next of kin. I didn’t even know the people and they were older retirees that had passed away (most vietnam and pre-vietnam era military members).
When you say, “On behalf of the President of the United States, the Department of the Air Force, and a grateful nation, we offer this flag for the faithful and dedicated service of (Service Member’s rank and name).”
The widow’s usually lose it because the 21 gun salute and playing of taps...then you are the only voice that everyone hears as they are weeping. It’s hard not to cry with them. I imagine what this marine had to do was 100x harder.
On a side note, I thought it was an officer that had to tell the next of kin for a death during service.
Prayers up for the family and special blessings for those that deliever the message.
On a side note, I thought it was an officer that had to tell the next of kin for a death during service.
_____________________________________
And I thought two people went to deliver the bad news. Including a Chaplain.
Actually,
The phrase I said was more like the Navy’s...I got it from here:
http://www.il.ngb.army.mil/Funeral/flag.htm
But then realized that’s not what I said. It was more like this:
“On behalf of the President of the United States and the Chief of Naval Operations, please accept this flag as a symbol of our appreciation for your loved one’s service to this Country and a grateful Navy.”
But that wasn’t it either (obviously change Navy to Air Force).
That would be the toughest job.God bless the United States Marine Corps and all that serve our great country.Especially the families.
“Taking Chance” was excellent.
It would be a long time before anyone in our family would laugh again.
The worst thing about wars is we always loose the best.
What an aweful task to have to execute.
See “Taking Chance”.
I have to be honest, I could not “man up” enough to accomplish this gunnery sargents mission.
sergeant not sargent—sorry for the misprint.....
My Ben, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My son is an infantry Marine and my wife and I have been briefed about the casualty procedures, but nothing can prepare you for what happens. God bless you and your daughter.
From a retired MSgt
I’m so sorry.
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