From an earlier post, I would like to reiterate --Thanks to everyone for all the kind words, good thoughts, prayers and for the support!
I just returned from Tn late last night. The memorial on Friday went very well, it was tough to get it arranged so quickly. We were surprised by the Governor of Tennessee sending a tribute letter to be read at the service and also by a member of the Governor's Council that spoke an eulogy. My mother was supported by almost everyone from her side of the family as well as a large number of my father's acquaintances that worked with him for the 15 years that he was the Chair of the Tennessee Commission on Aging and Disabilities.
On Saturday we had a service at the Tennessee Veteran's Cemetery where we had an Honor Guard Ceremony including the folding and presentation of the flag. This was an amazing service that left no dry eyes. If any family has a member that has served and will be interred in a Veteran's Cemetery, please honor them with this tribute. I believe that this ceremony was both a release and a restorative for my mother, above and beyond any other event over the last week.
Now it is about the living, my mother will need lots of support as her 58 years of the classic American marriage comes to a close. This will be the first time she has been alone since high school. We aren't sure if she will be able to live at home, but we will so everything we can to help her.
And now, life goes on...
I also have a question about the Honor Guard. All the members of the Guard wore crossed pistol collar pins, which as far as I know denotes Military Police. Is it normal for MPs to do Honor Guard duty?
