Funeral Detail

[JS Sanders]

Yesterday I had the sorrowful duty of piping at the funeral service of a US Army officer killed in the line of duty: 1st LT Donald C Carwile. His hometown was Oxford, MS.

LT Carwile was actively serving in Operation Enduring Freedom with the 101st Airborne. He left behind a wife and two young daughters all of Ft Campbell, KY.

There were fears that twisted members of that virulent group masquerading as a church would be picketing the service. The Patriot Guard Riders (www.patriotguard.org) were requested by the family to assist in keeping them at a distance.



Thank heaven for small favors - no one interfered with the service. Patriot Guard Riders showed up in force, about 50-60, all on motorcycles. They preceded the funeral procession with a quiet roar that was respectful & impressive.



Each rider quickly took a position on the periphery bearing a US flag at a respectful distance. Any protestor would be required to pass through their single rank. A line of police officers protected the other flanks from disruptions. If I'd been a protester, the police line would've probably been easier to penetrate than the Riders'.



My first assignment was to pipe the coffin from the hearse to the graveside.

After the requisite rifle salute, playing of Taps, and folding of the draped flag, my next task was due. I piped Amazing Grace – three verses. On the third, I turned and walked away, thus fading out the music.



Approximately 500 attendees were at the graveside service. Many were law enforcement officers. Also present were representatives from other branches of the US military. A brigadier general was on site as well.

These funerals are never pleasant, the air is charged with almost unbearable grief, but it's the territory that comes along with being a piper. It wasn't my first military funeral, but I pray it was my last.

Slainte yall,
steve

[Rogerson785]

Steve,

Having participated in numerous funerals throughout my career I tell you it never gets easy, especially when it is for someone so young and full of life. The hardest part for me is when I kneel down and present the folded flag under a whispered breath of gratitude to their loved ones sacrifice.

SSG Rogerson
Fort Riley, KS

[JS Sanders]

<< The hardest part for me is when I kneel down and present the folded flag under a whispered breath of gratitude to their loved ones sacrifice. >>

I pipe full-time, so I'm at more funerals than many funeral directors.

I've watched the serviceman so many times on bended knee before the bereft reciting what I've now memorised:

This flag is presented on behalf of a grateful nation and the United States (service branch) as a token of appreciation for your loved one's honorable & faithful service.

And then the sobbing begins in earnest.

Honestly I don't see how many of you can keep it together when presenting the flag. I have seen many servicemen with tear stained faces, but remain steadfast.

If I ever become complacent with these, then it's time to forgo the honor of performing at them.

Slainte,
steve

[BobsYourUncle]

Thank you for your service.

[auld argonian]

"It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us—that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion..."

A. Lincoln

I can't think of anything that adds to that.

Best

AA

[Dirk Skene]

......There were fears that twisted members of that virulent group masquerading as a church would be picketing the service. The Patriot Guard Riders (www.patriotguard.org) were requested by the family to assist in keeping them at a distance.......Each rider quickly took a position on the periphery bearing a US flag at a respectful distance. Any protestor would be required to pass through.......
Slainte yall,
steve

Steve, given the part of the country where the funeral was being held, any protester would have to have a death wish. I'm glad all was peacefull.

[JS Sanders]

For all the unfair derisive jokes aimed at Mississippians, you will not find a more red-blooded, patriotic group of Americans.

Tread on the flag down yonder & expect to see the biggest can of whoop-*** you've ever seen.

Slainte,
steve

[davedove]

I attended one such funeral at Arlington not too long ago. In this case, the young man had saved his companions by smothering a grenade with his body. What made his sacrifice even more meaningful is that he was seted near the door of the vehicle that the grenade was thrown into and could have escaped.

I held it together, through the families tears and the words of the chaplain. What touched me the most and caused the tears to flow were his companions who survived the attacked and each individually knelt, then rose to salute their fallen friend, who had saved all of their lives.

Freedom isn't free.

[beloitpiper]

After the requisite rifle salute, playing of Taps, and folding of the draped flag, my next task was due. I piped Amazing Grace – three verses. On the third, I turned and walked away, thus fading out the music.steve

I do this too. Enough people have commented how much they like it that I do it at every funeral/memorial I do.

But man, do I hate the Westboro Baptist Church.

[george7]

For all the unfair derisive jokes aimed at Mississippians, you will not find a more red-blooded, patriotic group of Americans.

Tread on the flag down yonder & expect to see the biggest can of whoop-*** you've ever seen.

Slainte,
steve

Very well put!