This morning I was privileged to speak with William Zwicharowski, Acting Director at the Charles C. Center for Mortuary Affairs at Dover Air Force Base. When asked what Memorial Day means to him, he said, “Working here seeing everything first hand makes you appreciate what our veterans do for us. So, more than people at other bases, we remember on a daily basis.” Mentioned on the Veterans page of this site is my recommendation for the movie “Taking Chance.” Mr. Zwicharowski was one of the consultants on that movie as much of it takes place at his mortuary center at Dover Air Force Base.

Because I’m a licensed funeral director/embalmer in a few states that require continuing education, I attend a lot of funeral profession seminars, workshops, and conventions. Whenever there’s a military man or woman leading a seminar, I always try to arrange my schedule to attend.  Without fail, it’s an interesting presentation, filled with facts, stories, and one more thing – respect. It’s touching to see these men and women speak with profound reverence about what they do, whether it’s performing honors at a graveside or working at the military facility that receives and prepares the bodies of those killed in action. It comes from their heart with such respect that often they, and those of us listening, are moved to tears with such honest emotion. One part of a veteran’s funeral that’s always memorable is seeing military honors take place at the graveside or chapel. The military honor guard is at least two soldiers and sometimes as many as six or seven, present in their perfectly pressed uniforms. They sometimes serve as pallbearers but at least two always stand at attention at each end of the casket as the minister reads and prays at this final service. When that is finished, they lift the flag from the casket and hold it suspended above the casket while Taps is played in the distance. They then fold the flag into its compact triangular shape with only the blue background and white stars showing. After the folding soldier makes the last one, the soldier who held the other end during this process, takes possession of it. The folding soldier slowly salutes it and quietly walks away. The other soldier now quietly walks to the person who will be entrusted with this valuable symbol. (usually the next-of-kin) The words are poignant, something like, “On a behalf of a grateful nation, this flag is presented for your husband’s (father’s, etc.) selfless dedication and committed service to our country.” What is just as powerful and always brings yet another tear to my eye, is that the soldier kneels to do this!

I have also stood in the background of a grave side, after the minister’s done speaking and the military honors have been performed and the people are starting to walk to their cars. Hardly a funeral goes by that at least one or two of the older guys will walk over to one of the younger guys in uniform who just performed the honors and thank them or talk to them. You know they’re veterans – WWII, Korea, Viet Nam … and if that isn’t emotional enough for those of us who happen to catch this moment, it gets more so when you hear the young guys ask them about their service experience and thank them – yes, thank them for service that they gave long before these new soldiers were even born!

 

Today, we all say “thank you.” But let’s do it more often. When you see an older gentleman wearing a cap with the name of a military ship or other related symbol, take a minute to thank him. It’s not uncommon now to see younger people in fatigues, t-shirts, or other clothing indicating this important service to our country. Say thank you. There are even bumper stickers that indicate, “Mother of an Army son” or something similar. Thank them; they’re making sacrifices too.  

As someone has so aptly worded it, America is “the land of the free because of the brave.”