The Last Post

[Libero]

I went to the interment ceremony for a long time dear friend who came to work in my unit in the early 70's as a newly minted Lieutenant just out of training. He worked for me twice after that, one as a Major and then again as Lieutenant Colonel. Even though I was his mentor, we became very close friends, unfortunately he did not take my advice about maintaining a healthy lifestyle post military retirement, so yesterday the "Last Post" was played for him and we lowered his ashes into his final resting place. I delivered the eulogy at his funeral service and seeing honor guard leading the procession to the gravesite with the kilt of the piper swaying to the slow march brought tears to my old eyes. It is tough seeing a person 10 years younger than me go down with a sudden heart attack because of too much food and too little exercise. Dam him, this was avoidable - I told him to stay fit but he was long past being under my command,

While I have been at many military funerals for much younger people under much different circumstances, yesterday, the solitude of hearing that lone bugler playing the "Last Post" off in the distance, as I said my personal farwell to my dear friend, my internal waterworks caused me to shed a few more silent tears.

I wonder how full time RVers without roots handle that final judgement day for loved nomads and the "Last Post" sounds for them.

[mikebreeze]

My condolences. I imagine that full time RV'ers make some kind of arrangements before it's their time. I have a living will and a last will & testament detailing how I want my final event to be. Maybe your post will inspire others to do the same.

[bj32]

I to have attended many funerals as paulberer, honor guard escort. I agree everyone will bring tears to your eyes, But the worst of all is to bury one of your children, I did he was only 60. He had a stroke 3 years before and a massive heart attack did him in, as he had said many times I want to drop in my tracks and he did. Thats he tough part having to lower your sons ashes in the ground.

[Libero]

Bj32

My condolances re losing a son. Fortunately I have not experienced losing one of our children, I hear this is the toughest death to get over; even tougher than losing a spouse. I hope I am never able to provide first hand knowledge of how devastating this really is.

My parents passed on many years ago and in the past 4 years 5 of my siblings moved on also as have 4 of my close friends. I now read the obits to see if my name shows up, some days I feel dead tired.

But how do the roaming Nomad full time RVers really cope or handle the situation when they are far from friends and family. Do they have a contingency plan etc?

We have made all our arrangemenrs so really all my executor has to do is get the dates carved on the stone.

[LDMcK]

My DW and I just started our full RVing and we have wrestled with that question a bit. I am USAF Retired and she is a 4 year AF vet. I'm thinking about a National Cemetery for the both of us but not sure if the situation will present it's self that way.

I flew out of the same squadron for 12 years and flew with many of the same people all over the world. I hate when I hear of one passing. We had so many shared memories of great times and not so great times.

God's speed to them all and to all that have put on the uniform for our country.

[wildmandmc]

stay strong buddy, back in 70's i was an mp, an assigned to do many military funerals. each one was more difficult than last. when the bugle played, started to shake, but had to maintain posture/composure. altho i didnt know them personally, it didnt feel that way.

[Doggy Daddy]

Besides National Vet Cemeteries, there are also State Veteran Cemeteries. One can no longer make reservations with the Veteran Cemeteries. Just put your request in your Living Trust so your executor will know what you want done.

[Passin Thru]

I'm going to be cremated, no marker. No one will care. Did have 5 brothers and the youngest one passed away last summer. My other brother went last week, but only to Florida, He drives a truck. LOL