Military Funeral

My former father-in-law, my son's grandfather, was given a hero's funeral today.

Alex was born in Brooklyn, New York, on December 27, 1939, to Alex and Marie Frisenda.  He enlisted in the USMC at the young age of 18 and proudly served 20 years as a helicopter pilot, which included two tours to Vietnam.  He earned the Distinguished Flying Cross and President’s Unit Citation for his efforts in the war and was responsible for the safe medical evacuation of soldiers from all branches of the Armed Forces.  He was a 32 Degree Scottish Rite Mason, a member of the Shriners, VFW, and the American Legion.

At the funeral home, the males of the family, including Jacob, bore his coffin to the hearse for the hour and a half ride to the cemetery.

I love Kyle saluting to the far left. 

Jacob and his big brother Gregory.

 He was buried at Florida National Military Cemetery with Marines escorting his coffin, giving him a gun-salute and sending him off with Taps.  It was absolutely moving.

The guns in the background.

Lone bugler playing.

Family members say one last prayer.

Aunt Sharon and Jacob.

Jacob was given one of the cartridges from the gun salute.