Burial Detail

Burial Detail

 

 

I was asked to write my experience and thoughts of my time in the Honor Guard, (Military Burial Detail). I suppose I should start at the beginning before the day would start.

We were assigned our duties. Mine was the Bugler, in most cases, but I was also on the rifle team. We rehearsed every morning before the first ceremony and in between each ceremony. We practiced when to start taps, when to fire the 21-gun salute, when to fold the flag, how to fold the flag and at what pace, what to say to the one receiving the flag, and how to exit without over shadowing the ceremony. And a dozen or so other details.

There were times when a lot of people would come to pay their respects. However, the ceremonies I remember most vividly are the ones were almost no one showed to pay their respects. I would silently thank them for all they had given. I felt honored to be present for their last moments before being laid to rest.

It was in most respects one of the most humbling experiences I have ever felt. After all what I have done with my life compared to what they had given.

When I hear the 21-gun salute it shakes me to the core, taps covers me in a blanket of reassurance. Reassurance that none will ever be forgotten, even if only the Honor Guard are the only ones present.

I have known too many who have gone off to war and gave their lives, or passed away because of a training accident. When I see a flag covered coffin escorted by the Honor Guard I try to picture the face of the one in the casket. I cannot anymore; all the faces are jumbled for me…to many have passed through my life.

For the families and friends who survive the ones who have paid the ultimate price, know this…they are survived by the greatest of us. We who serve and have served thank you for all that you have given us. Thank you, I salute you for your bravery and love.  

Reviews

[Samuel Dickens]

I know it was a very rewarding experience and unparalleled honor to serve in such a capacity. I'm glad you mention those who died in training, too. I've known too many who perished that way, and to my mind, their sacrifice was no different than if it'd been in the heat of battle. Thank you for your service.

[ron]

Thank you Samuel. The first year I was in, we were on a two week training exercise. Three soldiers died and we had a ceremony for them in the field. Their rifles had fixed bayonets, the rifles were stuck in ground and their helmets were placed on the butt of the rifle. I don't remember much about the ceremony, I was...i don't know what I was. It was very emotional.

[Sheila Kline]

Ron has inspired me to write a poem that is posted on my page which includes his words posted above.
Thank you Ron for allowing me to post this as a co-write! I am deeply honored to have the opportunity to share your thoughts as honored were our heroes! You are also a hero!

Burial Detail Honor Guard

Another hero is being buried this somber day.
Loyal service given here on earth has come to an end.
We prepare to pay homage as family says goodbye.
Our Burial Guard readies proper gratitude to Vet.
We have rehearsed this rite of respect again and again.

March we in formation with greatest honor and respect,
As we value the legacy of one who’s laid to rest.
May we ever remember proud service to our country--
Their service performed so our land’s freedom can ever ring.
Our long hours and days of preparation have been well spent.

The flag is folded and handed off with greatest of care.
Words of gratitude are offered to closest survivors.
Solemn taps are played; 21 gun salute oft’ brings tears.
With funeral complete, we ready for the next farewell.
We quietly exit in formation; duty complete.

When the funeral’s pomp and circumstance comes to a close,
And due tribute is paid to the hero now departed,
We who serve as part of the Burial Detail Honor Guard,
Leave behind the mournful sound of the grieving widow’s wail,
And all those who remember, and miss the fallen hero.

Sheila Bowyer Kline…….

and now words that inspired my poem:

Burial Detail - by Ronald Pope

“I was asked to write my experience and thoughts of my time in the Honor Guard, (Military Burial Detail). I suppose I should start at the beginning before the day would start.

We were assigned our duties. Mine was the Bugler, in most cases, but I was also on the rifle team. We rehearsed every morning before the first ceremony and in between each ceremony. We practiced when to start taps, when to fire the 21-gun salute, when to fold the flag, how to fold the flag and at what pace, what to say to the one receiving the flag, and how to exit without over shadowing the ceremony. And a dozen or so other details.

There were times when a lot of people would come to pay their respects. However, the ceremonies I remember most vividly are the ones where almost no one showed to pay their respects. I would silently thank them for all they had given. I felt honored to be present for their last moments before being laid to rest.

It was in most respects one of the most humbling experiences I have ever felt. After all what have I done with my life compared to what they had given.

When I hear the 21-gun salute it shakes me to the core, taps covers me in a blanket of reassurance. Reassurance that none will ever be forgotten, even if only the Honor Guard are the only ones present.
I have known too many who have gone off to war and gave their lives, or passed away because of a training accident. When I see a flag covered coffin escorted by the Honor Guard I try to picture the face of the one in the casket. I cannot anymore; all the faces are jumbled for me…to many have passed through my life.
For the families and friends who survive the ones who have paid the ultimate price, know this…they are survived by the greatest of us. We who serve and have served thank you for all that you have given us.

Thank you, I salute you for your bravery and love.”
.......end of Ron's words

[ron]

Sheila, you are to kind. Thank you so very much for your words in this poem...big hugs ;)

[Vidya Bacchus]

This is a sad piece but the message is clear you don't want to forget those who have fallen.You want to pay tribute to their memory.Nice job

[ron]

Thank you Vidya. It was my extreme honor to have been on the Burial Detail.