It was a reunion of sorts. The last time we are all together was 1979 at my sisters wedding her husband Ross, Best Man Jon Ault and ushers, Chic Burlingame and myself. We were all together last week at Arlington National Cemetery to attend Jon’s funeral, a full military service after a long career as a Top Gun naval aviator and a Centurion, navy speak for a 100 carrier landings.
Mass was said at the Fort Meyer Post Chapel, at the rear of the cemetery. Fort Meyer is home to the 3rd Infantry Regiment, in service since 1784 and tasked with guarding the President and the Tomb of the Unknowns.
Following mass, an honour guard hoisted the casket onto the six horse caisson with “rider less” horses on the right. Leading the Caisson was the Navy band and honour guard. Jon was laid to rest just down the hill from Chic, who was the AA 77 pilot killed on 9/11.
To stand on such hollowed ground, the final resting place of overwhelming bravery, I am reminded of Orwell’s quote. We sleep soundly in our beds because of rough men ready to wreak violence on our behalf. Jon and Chic were such men. I was indeed humbled.
Joe
