35 Comments

Thank you for sharing!

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Thank you for providing this opportunity to acknowledge those who served, we must never take it for granted. Their integrity and strength give us hope

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Goosebumps, and awe. What a sense of closure to be interred with his shipmates at the end, and possibly one of the last to do so.

Thanks, Dan, for posting this.

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Thank you for posting this. It reminded me of when we laid my father-in-law to rest. You can't hear Taps without remembering the fallen, not if you've ever been to a military funeral. My father-in-law served in WWII in the European Theater as a forward artillery observer. One night in Germany, he hid in a tree while a group of Nazis camped beneath him. Eventually, he was wounded severely in Germany and sent home just prior to the end of the war. He never spoke of his experiences until our son came along and asked Gramp what it was like. May he and my other relatives who served our country in various conflicts rest in peace, their watch now ended.

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A friend posted this link earlier today. Seems appropriate.

Mel Carter sings Taps: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ccduz30yvd0

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Thank you. This was both a touching and informative report. I'm amazed at the bond which he had to the time, the place, and his comrades, a bond which endured for 70 years.

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Brought tears to my eyes. Such a well done report. Thanks for sharing mate.

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Please add my thanks for such a lovely remembrance of those who perished and those who survived with such remembrance of the atrocities of war. A true Memorial Day memory.

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Such a touching, well-done report. I was tempted to share on FB until I realized that it might stimulate some Asian hate loonies. How sad is that! My uncle was an open minded, well educated man and a Navy officer stationed in the Pacific during WWII. He continued to be prejudiced against the Japanese until he died in his late 80's. War is Hell.

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Again, you have shared a timely and precious report. Thank you so much for continuing your STEADY presence and offerings.

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Thank you Mr Rather for including this very evocative tribute to just one serviceman.

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There is nothing so mournful, yet hauntingly beautiful as TAPS. And nothing more stirring as a military funeral to honor those who served this country.

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Makes me so proud to be an AMERICAN and the daughter and niece of men who proudly served in WWII one severely injured in second wave at Normandy. He survived for five + years before finally succumbing to complications. Also proud to have one cousin who served in the U.S. Army immediately after high school even serving as a Sentinel guarding the tomb of the unknown soldier and became special helicopter pilot then instructor after two tours in Vietnam. Now finally retired Lt. Col. he is still called upon by the U. S. Army for educational purposes..

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My Dads body is aboard LST531 at the bottom of the English Channel. He was 28, so many fine, young men are lost to war.

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Very moving. A great reminder of the human sacrifices that have gone into making our Democracy. Thanks for posting this Memorial weekend.

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Very moving to watch - after having been there in 2004, remembering the somber silence I felt in my heart as I stood in that same spot at this memorial. Being an NCIS fan, there was one episode dedicated to a similar story of a survivor of the USS Arizona that just wanted to be buried with his shipmates - showing scenes from the battle (movie scenes) and then the respectful walk of his ashes & being handed off to the sailors that carried him to his resting place. Being able to witness this historical event with a family brought out off the emotions. Thank you for sharing this story again.

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