IT WAS AN EMOTIONAL MOMENT FOR MANY OF THE VETERANS, AS THIS SOUTH PLAINS HONOR FLIGHT BECAME THE FIRST HONOR FLIGHT TO BE A PART OF A VETERANS SERVICE.

 

QUOTING ROGER ROCKAFELLOW;  

“THIS IS EMOTIONAL BECAUSE OF THE FACT, THAT THEY BROUGHT UP THE FACT THAT THEY FOUND ALL THE REMAINS,” VIETNAM VETERAN ROGER ROCKAFELLOW SAID, TEARING UP.  AND IT IS VERY REWARDING THAT THE UNITED STATES RECOGNIZES THAT. WITH THAT, IT IS WITH A HUMBLE HEART THAT WE ARE FELLOW VETERANS THAT WE COULD END UP AND SERVE HIS LEGACY OF WHAT HE HAS DONE.”

 

 

 

 

 

Taps (The distinctive bugle melody played at U. S. military funerals and memorials) being played using the traditional 24 notes. During the Civil War in July of 1862 General Dan Butterfield   created the “TAPS” call as a signal for ‘lights out’, ‘the day is done’ and at a union funeral Captain John Tidball decided it would be safer to play the bugle call rather than the traditional firing of three rifle volleys over the soldier’s grave, a move which couldn’t been confused by the nearby enemy as an attaack.

 

 

The 21 gun salute. The origin is from ships coming into harbor would fire 7 cannons (out of harms way of course) to signal to the harbor if it safe to come to port. The harbor would then fire 7 cannons (out of harms way of course) to signal for the ship to come to the harbor.  The ship then would fire 7 cannons again to signal that the message was received. The port could fire three times as many rounds as the ship — so 7 x 3 = 21 shots fired — the 21 gun salute. Most now use 3 veterans firing 3 times.

 

 

 

 

James Sanders, Director, Quantico National Cemetery has closing remarks.

 

 

James Sanders ends his remarks by asking.   ” MAY GOD BLESS …”

Thank you James Sanders.

 

 

 

 

NOTICE THAT THE HONOR GUARD IS KNEELING ON HIS LEFT KNEE.

WHEN YOU LOOK AT THE STAINED GLASS ON THE DOOR OF THE PRAYER CHAPEL  AT OUR NATIONS CAPITOL: GEORGE WASHINGTON IS ALSO KNEELING ON HIS LEFT KNEE IN PRAYER . (See in another of my posts)