My condolences to you. My grandfather was in Korea, and I've put some time in boots. The bugler always does a heck of a job. It's really a melody of strength to me, and I can't imagine a melody that encompasses the power and passion of a Soldier any more than 'Taps' does.
I attended a funeral today for long time friend, Vietnam veteran, Deacon in his church. He happened to be a black man as well. Haven't been in a church for decades, never a church with a predominantly black congregation. It was inspired to say the least and he would have loved my awkwardness. A good man, I will miss him, his wicked humor and our conversations about nothing and everything important.
Sorry for your loss and it's a great loss when we lose someone that has honorably served our country. Burying a veteran that's a love one is something that's unforgettable regardless if they died while serving or as a veteran. We have several special days to honor our soldiers...Armed Forces Day, Military Spouse Appreciation Day, Victory in Europe Day and, most importantly, Memorial Day. There are days that will be tougher than others, sometimes reading the quotes at the below link will help those days be easier. https://www.military.com/military-appreciation-month/military-appreciation-quotes.html With that said, I'm sorry I missed this thread here at ET considering I'm a proud veteran and a proud military brat...my old man proudly and honorably served, grandfather proudly and honorably served, great grandfather proudly and honorably served, my ex-spouse (mother of my children)...she's a West Point Graduate. All of us were given a special honor to serve as military officers. Although I primarily reside outside of the states, I still visit the states often (except this past Pandemic year) to spend time with military friends and military family members that I served with...many of whom have recently retired from the Armed Forces. I have these days marked on my calendar every year because it reminds me of those I have served with and a way to remind me of the respect of our veterans. Important Military Holidays and Observances Feb. 3, 2021 – Four Chaplains Day – A day to remember the four U.S. Army chaplains who made the ultimate sacrifice when the USAT Dorchester sank during World War II. Feb. 19, 2021 – Coast Guard Reserve Birthday March 3, 2021 – Navy Reserve Birthday March 13, 2021 K-9 Veterans Day – The date is the official birthday of the United States K9 Corps and a day to honor their service. March 25, 2021 Medal of Honor Day – A holiday to honor the heroism and sacrifice of Medal of Honor recipients for the United States. March 29, 2021 – Vietnam Veterans Day – A national holiday to recognize and honor Veterans who served in the military during the Vietnam War. April 5, 2021 – Gold Star Spouses Day – A day dedicated to those whose spouses gave their lives while serving in the U.S. military or as a result of service-connected injuries or illness. April 14, 2021 – Air Force Reserve Birthday April 23, 2021 – Army Reserve Birthday May 1, 2021 – Silver Star Banner Day – Per Congressional resolution, it is an “Official Day to honor wounded, ill, and injured Veterans”. May 7, 2021 – Military Spouse Appreciation Day – This date recognizes the service and sacrifices of military spouses. May 13, 2021 – Children of Fallen Patriots Day – A day to honor the children left behind by the brave men and women who gave their lives while defending our freedom. May 15, 2021 – Armed Forces Day Observed on the third Saturday every May, this is a day dedicated to paying tribute to men and women currently serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. May 31, 2021 – Memorial Day A solemn occasion to honor the men and women who died while serving in the military. June 6, 2021 – Anniversary of the World War II – Allied invasion in Normandy, France, now known as D-Day. June 14, 2021 – Flag Day – A day to celebrate the adoption of the U.S. flag. June 14, 2021 – Army Birthday June 23, 2019 – Coast Guard Auxiliary Birthday June 27, 2021 – National PTSD Awareness Day – A day to bring awareness about issues related to PTSD. July 4, 2021 – Independence Day July 27, 2021 – Korean War Veterans Armistice Day Aug. 4, 2021 – Coast Guard Birthday Aug. 7, 2021 – Purple Heart Day – A time for Americans to pause to remember and honor the brave men and women who were either wounded on the battlefield or paid the ultimate sacrifice. Aug. 29, 2021 – Marine Forces Reserve Birthday Sept. 11, 2021 – Patriot Day – An annual observance to remember and honor those who were injured or killed during the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. Sept. 18, 2021 – Air Force Birthday Sept. 26, 2021 – Gold Star Mother’s and Family’s Day – A day to honor the families of fallen Servicemembers. Oct. 13, 2021 – Navy Birthday Oct. 26, 2021 – National Day of the Deployed Nov. 10, 2021 – Marine Corps Birthday Nov. 11, 2021 – Veterans Day – This is the anniversary of the signing of the armistice treaty, which ended World War I and is also a day to thank military Veterans for their service. Dec. 7, 2021 – Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day – The anniversary of the day Japan attacked Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, signaling the United States’ entrance into World War II. Dec. 13, 2021 – National Guard Birthday Dec. 18, 2021 – National Wreaths Across America Day Significant Military Months April – Month of the Military Child May – National Military Appreciation Month May – Month of the Military Caregiver November – Military Family Month, Warrior Care Month https://www.militaryfood.org/military-holidays-and-observances wrbtrader