“If you are truly successful at capturing the pulse of life, then you can speak of a good photograph.” - René Burri
If you've never attended a military funeral before, or perhaps have only seen it acted in a movie, then you may find my description below interesting. But it's about much more than the ceremony, important as that is. What is paramount is the life and memory of the veteran being honored and celebrated, and the respect and gratitude directed towards their family by those attending. I'm grateful to have served with such brothers and sisters. As I wrote in my post on November 12, 2022...
When you arrive, you realize more people came to pay respects than you thought would be able to on a Wednesday afternoon, but then you remembered the incredibly gracious way the man you’ve come to remember and celebrate treated everyone he met, so of course a large group would attend his funeral. After waiting for the veterans cemetery to get everyone lined up just so, you follow each other around a large curve to park your car and then assemble briefly and quietly shake hands with old shipmates behind the outdoor chapel that faces the long row of American flags that border the main entrance driveway and the one in the center of the circle at half-staff.
After signing the memorial service guest book and assisting a Vietnam war veteran to a chair, you appreciate the cool breeze and notice the four service flags gently rippling above your head. The family of the deceased is seated ahead of you in the front row: the grieving wife, the two daughters, and the son, all mourning the loss too early of the husband and father they dearly loved and who loved them beyond measure. Even though you've risen to your feet, it’s still a shock when the honor guard fires the three rifle volleys, many guests startled as the report echoes across the cemetery. The honor guard continues with the soulful sound of taps played by single bugle followed by the solemn unfolding, display, and folding of the nation’s flag before its presentation to the widow on behalf of a grateful nation. The Patriot Guard Riders, who on their motorcycles had accompanied the family to the cemetery, also present some mementos.
The prayers and remembrance offered by the chaplain and the guest speaker are moving and appropriate and solemn and funny, a perfect mix to celebrate the life of an amazing man as his spirit is wished a final fair winds and following seas. After listening to the patriotic lyrics of Lee Greenwood, and the reading of a sailor's benediction, you are encouraged to remember the man to keep his memory alive. This won't be a problem for you because the man, Bob Fenske, dead too early from brain cancer, was an incredible shipmate and mentor and family man who was one of the greatest influences in your life. You served with him in the Navy and have kept in touch with him through the years. You are grateful you had a chance to visit with him one last time just a week before he passed away. You're honored to have provided some small comfort to his wife in her mourning. And then you are on your way again, thinking of the many times Bob helped you or taught you something those many years ago. And you are sad, but also uplifted.
All profits from any sales on my website Marketplace from now until January 15, 2023 continue to be donated to the Glioblastoma Foundation, in remembrance of Bob. It’s a nice way to add some art to your life and contribute to an excellent charity. Peace be with all of you. Clicking on the image will open it in full screen
‘Monument,’ the view across lovely Gordons Pond towards Fire Control Tower #5, standing silent sentry since World War Two on the sands of Whiskey Beach, in the warm light of an autumn sunrise in southern coastal Delaware.
www.johnjgiardinaphotography.com
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