|
Gentle Men (because you are), brothers of Tom - I am grateful, beyond words. If I may, share Tom's committal service with you, it was awe-inspiring, and, at the same time, difficult to handle (understatement). The Patriot Guard Riders escorted our three vehicles from a suburb of Pittsburgh, some 40 minutes, to the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies in Bridgeville, PA. The riders formed the escort with motorcycles in front, and motorcycles behind. They flew colors, and funeral procession flags, as did we, so as to try to keep other vehicles out of our group. When we arrived at the National Cemetery, we were met by a Veteran's Administration rep, who briefed us in protocol. I had also had a call the day before from the Ft. Meade Honors Office, one of the Army personnel assigned to escort Tom, to brief me.
As we made our way by car, when directed, to the Committal Shelter, Tom's ashes, and his flag, were handed to the 2 Honors Army personnel.
A contingent of the local American Legion/VFW had formed a column on the walkway outside the shelter, and the Patriot Guard Riders also stood with them to form quite a beautiful contingent, at attention. We, the family, were directed to proceed through the column, into the shelter where the Army Honors personnel had placed Tom, and his flag on a draped table. We were directed to specific seats by the V.A. rep.
Once all seated (and at that point, I was unaware that Ace, from SOCNET, was there) the Army Chaplain began to speak. He spoke to Tom, and to us, assuring all that Tommy was now in the hands of God, and of his (and all military) dedication to his country. He said that Tom was now protected, and safe. Then, quite suddenly, the Chaplain, near the end of the service, shouted at the top of his voice: "JOB WELL DONE, SIR", and saluted Tom. My control was tested, to be sure.
It was then that the Honors Army personnel took the flag from the table and began the folding ceremony, which was astounding. The, deliberation and very specific arm movements and hand movements was incredible to watch. Once they neared the end of folding the flag, the Chaplain brought 3 unspent rifle cartridges, which were placed inside the folds of the flag. They Army personnel then finished the folding ceremony, and presented the flag to Tom's brother.
At that point, the 21 gun salute began, followed by Taps, followed by the presentation of the now spent cartridges from the 21 gun salute, to Tom's brother. The Patriot Guard Riders captain, then presented a beautiful engraved plaque to me, and to Tom's brother, and rejoined the column. I, and Tom's brother, were then directed to approach Tom's urn and speak, silently, to Tommy, and then file out through the column of VFW/American Legion, the Honors Office Army personnel, and the Patriot Guard Riders.
At the end of the column, when we were dispersing to our cars, was when Ace approached me to identify himself. Hell, I lost it then. But, so it goes. SOCNET was one of the places where Tom felt most at home - and Ace's appearance showed me something incredible in the brotherhood you all share and keep. That you STILL guard and honor each other, have each other's back, active or not, and that it's forever. And quite a different thing than just "coworkers", or "friends"....
If I had ever understood SOME of this while with Tom all these years (and I tried hard to "get" it), June 2nd, 2015, and you all here on SOCNET, brought a far stronger understanding to me - which is comfort.
Again, thank you... I'll keep reading and maybe, sometimes, seeking a better grasp of this by posting - from you, his brothers.
Andi, with respect.
|