This week I participated in a ceremony for a fallen soldier in our unit. The military always pays respect to those who die in the line of duty, especially here in the midst of war. The ceremony took place at the flight line. Many of us formed up in several smaller units and stood at attention while the honor guard carried the flags.
Soon the humvee with the casket drove by and we all saluted the vehicle. As you might imagine, there is a lot of protocol that comes with the way the casket is prepared. When a flag is draped over a coffin the union is always placed over the head of the deceased. The flag is vey meticulously wrapped around the casket. At the funeral in the United States the flag will be ceremoniously removed from the coffin and presented to the family (usually the wife) as “Taps” is being played.
The pall bearers marched to the vehicle and slowly carried the casket onto the back of the C-130. Many of the co-workers walked by to pay last tributes to their friend and fellow soldier who lost his life. The body was flown to Dover Air Force Base for testing. It was a sad day for many here at the office.
Wow! I never knew there was a ceremony there, too. Thanks so much for posting, Mike. Very sad to see.
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