In memory, in honor

The gravesite of Husband Walter’s father, a World War II veteran.

Sunday we accompanied my mother-in-law to the Biloxi National Cemetery, where flags were flying at individual graves and along the roadway to the Veterans Memorial.

Veterans Memorial at Biloxi National Cemetery

It was our second visit in less than a week. The previous Wednesday morning we had convened with family for the graveside funeral service for my husband’s uncle, Archie Lee Flowers.

Biloxi National Cemetery

The gazebo in the background was the site of the outdoor service and overlooked the Veterans Memorial at the end of the green expanse, part of the 54-acre national cemetery on the grounds of the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Biloxi, Mississippi. 

The serenity of the live oaks, the sound of “Taps” followed by the traditional ceremony where two members of the U.S. Navy honor guard folded the flag that draped the casket, the presentation of the flag to the closest relative, the presence of the rows of white headstones, all contributed to making the brief service a moving acknowledgment of the life and death of Uncle Archie Lee.

The Sunday visit two days ago was a special remembrance of the service of my husband’s father and his two uncles buried there. My father and all of his and my mother’s brothers were WWII veterans, too, although none are buried in national cemeteries.                                                                                            

Both visits were filled with memories and thoughts of those who served: our fathers, uncles and cousins, classmates, others who served, those who gave their lives and the families who lost their loved ones.