For those who have not had the privilege of attending a burial for a national hero, I thought I would share this tribute to my hero, my dad delivered during his Homegoing in April. As I sit here watching Senator McCain’s service I weep while finding joy in knowing we have been blessed to have such American heroes in our lives. Rest In Peace and God bless. Thank you Capt. Shanebrook for sharing this precious gift during my father’s services.
“I am Kathy Shanebrook. I entered the Naval Academy with the first class of women in 1976. I was a member of the Drum and Bugle Corps, playing the baritone bugle, and then-CAPT Armbrister was the Officer Representative. He and Juanita brought me into their family, like so many other midshipmen. I graduated in 1980 and went on to serve in the Navy for 30 years, recently retiring.
...which is why I’d like to talk about how the military has traditionally honored service members with full military honors during graveside services. These honors include long standing customs and symbolism, and are always conducted with utmost dignity at cemeteries around the world. One of the the best-known military traditions is the gun salute. Today an honor guard team fired three rifle volleys. This tradition stemmed from battle ceasefires when each side would clear the dead. The firing of three volleys indicated the dead were moved and properly cared for. Another tradition is the playing of Taps, which was composed during The Civil War to signal “lights out.”
Over time, buglers started playing Taps near gravesides to honor service members at the end of their lives. Next the flag is removed from the casket and carefully folded by the honor guard. Each fold represents something different - such as duty, honor, country - and at the end only the stars are left showing. Once the flag has been folded, a few spent shell casings may be inserted into the back fold of the flag. God’s plan for Tony was not the same as his, which brings us here to this beautiful national cemetery much too soon.
The cemetery is one of the newest ones, dedicated only ten years ago. Currently there are 135 national cemeteries that provide dignified burial services for Veterans and family members. As you can see, these cemeteries are maintained in pristine condition, reflecting tremendous pride in service to our military. These grounds serve as national shrines for those of us who wish to honor the dedication of and sacrifices made by our service men and women. One cannot help but be humbled by the sheer magnitude of headstones surrounding us. Each and every one of these soldiers, airmen, sailors, and MARINEs has a story, a legacy. Each had a journey.
Tony touched so many people during his life. He made us laugh, inspired us, encouraged us to succeed and made us want to be and do better. He was the consummate mentor. All of us here have journeyed with Tony during different times in our lives. Today, we followed Tony’s final journey from The Church of the Incarnation to this peaceful National Cemetery. Here Tony and his new neighbors will be treated with the utmost honor, dignity and respect well into the future. But it is you - Tony’s family and friends that will keep his memory alive, for WE are his legacy. And it is well with our souls. LTCOL Anthony Paul Armbrister, Unites States Marine Corps, we all salute you. Semper Fi.”
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