A Final Farewell

Yesterday the family got together to show our last respects for my wife's Uncle Blaise. He was 99. Being a career Navy man and a veteran of 3 wars, he had requested a VA burial, and the San Joaquin National Cemetery in Santa Nella, CA was glad to oblige.
The service was very emotional and respectful with all of the pomp and circumstance a man of his caliber deserved.
The hearse pulled up to the site for the service and was greeted by two sailors saluting. A 1st class petty officer greeted us and shook our hands and offered his condolences.
The VFW performed the service with a 9 round volley of shots and then gave us the shells from the rifles.
The sailors folded the flag that draped his casket and then the petty officer gave Bonnie the flag and again, gave his heart-felt condolences. He truly seemed moved .
These fine folks must perform this ritual at least 5 times a day, but every time it seems like their first time; never seeming like they're bored with the repetition.
If you ever have the chance to visit this cemetery, I guarantee you will get caught up in the emotions stemming from all who are buried there.

I was volunteer funeral duty in the Marines. It was an honor. They warned us some family members may spit on you etc. but none of that ever happened. The best part was you got to check an M14 out of the armory. Traditional ceremonies have wood stock rifles.Your wifes uncle surely deserved a good send off.

Chuck,

I've conducted a lot of funerals over the years. None is more emotional or meaningful than a military funeral. I'm glad that your family got to experience it in spite of the loss.

May the Lord bless you all during this time of adjustment.

Tom in TN

A fitting farewell to an old veteran.

May he Rest In Peace.

My condolences to all the family, and a salute to him. I have a cousin who was buried there about 9 years ago, also a Navy vet. I remember they had so many funerals scheduled that they had to hold him for quite a while before they could get to his. On the same sad note, I called earlier to talk to a Navy buddy of mine, and his wife told me he had passed away just this morning. He left the ship as a new E-5 for Viet Nam and ended up retiring as an LCDR with 30 years in. Another good man gone.

Sorry for your loss.

Military Funerals are an honor when you are on funeral detail. That's one detail I never minded.

Rick