"Duty, Honor, & Country." Those 3 words continually loop through my mind as I recall my grandfather's funeral yesterday afternoon. As his casket was ushered in by highly ranked military men, we watched as they folded an American flag in memory of his life. We all stood in honor of him as three military men fired off their weapons for a 21 gun salute in honor of a great man, a great father, a great friend, and a great grandfather, Mansford Moon. Tears began to roll down my face as a soldier played the famous military tune from a small horn. The notes from that horn penetrated deep in all of us as we were finally hit with reality that our "Popo" was gone. As the soldier continued to play, it was as if the notes he were playing were somehow tugging on our heart strings. It is such an honor not only to have been blessed to have such an amazing grandfather, but to also carry on his name, "Mansford." As the memorial came to an end, the soldier took the flag and began to walk over to my grandmother. It was as if she already knew it was coming. My grandmother began to weep as well as each of us, as we watched her receive the flag in memory of her husband. It is those kinds of moments when you have to be truly grateful for the comfort of God's hope and the comfort of being together. For each of us, that was a memory that we not be lost. As tears continued to roll down all of our faces and we held each other tight, another soldier walked up to my grandmother and handed her 3 bullets from the salute. He said, "the first one represents Duty, the second represents Honor, and the third represents Country." Duty, Honor, Country... what powerful words to describe a long-lived life. As I held my cousin tight and walked back to our car, I looked back once more at His casket, thanking Jesus for blessing me to be able to be a part of this wonderful family. Salute to you Popo... I love you with all my heart. We will always remember the man you were to all of us. See you soon!!
PJ, I am so sorry for the loss of your grandfather. I know what it's like. I too just recently lost my grandpa. I pray that I will see him again in heaven.
I'm so sorry PJ. Your family will be in my prayers.
PJ - What a great post. It really touched me. Analiese's great uncle Jack passsed away last year. He was a Sgt. Major in the army. None of us had any idea just how highly ranked he was. That's the highest rank an enlisted man may strive to in the US Army and his funeral reflected that. As we sat, crying and listening, to Taps being played, I thought of the same things you did. General George S. Patton said, "It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather we should thank God that such men lived." I don't know if I agree 100% that it's wrong to mourn them, but I do agree that it's right to be thankful that such men lived. Your "Popo" was one of a generation of men in our country that was the greatest we've seen. I'm proud, with you, of your grandfather. I'm sorry for your loss and grateful for your blessing to have such a rich heritage. It makes me wonder what kind of legacy and heritage I'm leaving for my children and grandchildren. I'm sure you've wondered that too. From what I've seen, PJ, you're on your way to leaving a very rich spiritual heritage for your family and for this world. Bless you this Christmas Eve, PJ. I'm thankful to serve alongside you in the amazing youth ministry at COLW.