Getting prepped for what's about to happen here at Luke Air Force Base.
Boarding the bus to ride out to the airstrip.
Two perfect rows of soldiers on either side of the walkway, waiting for the plane to arrive.
Here comes the plane. We are all holding our breath.
Unloading the precious cargo, our soldier coming home for the last time.
Taking the casket to the hearse. All the troops saluting in the background.
Only a few of the sad expressions. It was a hard day.
The Patriot Guard is a group of motorcycle riders who come to protect the family from any protesters. They were so, so kind and besides doing the traffic duty would form a circle around the family at the mortuary and at the cemetery. They held flags so it was a big circle of flags and biker dudes. (and dude-ettes)
Pall bearers to carry Jake for the last time.
Such precision in every movement; every stance.
Watching them fold the casket flag is amazing. They must practice a lot!
Presenting the flag to the man who will present it to Jake's daughter. She got the flag that was on his casket the whole time. They also presented a flag to Jake's mom, and his fiance. These were already folded flags that they touched to the head of the casket, and then presented.
I believe these are the two escorts who stayed with Jake's daughter and mother every step of the way.
His flag and uniform decorations are in this case.
'Nuf said.
Oh yes, we must have Mariachis! We are Mexicans, afterall. I told DH that I want some at my funeral, too. Am I Mexican enough for that?
Well done, soldier.
11 comments:
Thank you so much for sharing those touching photos. You did a great job in capturing all those important moments. I wish I could have been there to support.
Ditto to Kristel. What an emotional day.
Thanks for sharing you did a great job capturing.
Oy, I thought hearing the details from dh over the phone was emotional. I really couldn't hold back the tears while looking at these pictures. Thank you for taking them.
C
Those really were great photos you took. Thanks for taking them.
And yes, I think when we've been in the family this long we can all qualify as "Mexican enough." HA HA
Thank you, Sally, for posting these pictures. I've been waiting for someone to post. Like the others, I'm sad I couldn't attend. I will post pictures after I attend the memorial service in Fort Riley on Friday.
(And yes, you are Mexican enough. I want mariachis and Aunt Amy to play "Somewhere My Love".)
Thank you Sally for sharing your pictures.
Isn't The Patriot Guard awesome? They were also at my friend Cory's funeral (who happened to be a motorcycle lover). Beautiful pictures.
Those are very touching photographs. I am very sorry for the loss of a family member. That was probably a pretty tough day for many.
you did a fantastic job on your pictures!! I forgot that you took them at first and was just really enjoying looking at them. Then I went back through them and am really impressed of the great job you did.
Wow, Debe. That is a HUGE compliment for me! Thanks!
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