My father was a MM3 in the Navy during WWII. He was buried almost 17 years ago on 31 DEC 1991 with full military honors rendered by his friends from the Elmer E. Vance American Legion Post #361.

I remember the wind, the cold weather, the salute, taps and the presentation of the flag to me - his eldest son. The flag still folded as it was that day, and is sitting on a shelf in front of my desk. He was laid to rest next to my mother, who was buried almost exactly two years earlier, on 02 DEC 1989.

My cousin, a Korean War vet, commented about what a cold place it was to be laid to rest.