Reflections on Veterans' Day

Corvus is over 90% owned, operated and staffed by Veterans and Veteran's family members. One of our Corvus leaders, Captain (USN, Ret) Steve Wright, forwarded to me today one of the notes he wrote on active duty while serving as the Escort Commander for a burial with full honors at the resting place for the brave, Arlington National Cemetery. Please read his words below and be inspired to thank a Veteran this weekend.

"Shipmates,

       As we approach the Veterans Day weekend, I thought it appropriate to share my duty day experience with you. You may have been wondering why I was walking around in my blues this morning carrying a sword. As the N78 Duty Captain for November, I got the call to be the Escort Commander for the Full Honors Funeral Service at Arlington National Cemetery for retired Navy Captain Richard Daniel Coogan. I was picked up this morning at 0815 at the corridor 3 exit, I was in Full Dress Blues with medals, sword, and white gloves. We made the short trip to Arlington in about 5 minutes. Weather was great, beautiful, crisp day, but very windy, which made keeping the cover on a challenge. I met with the Ceremonial Guard Commander of troops, a sharp young Navy Lieutenant, where we had a quick orientation of what I was supposed to do and when to do it, and most importantly, rehearsed my speaking part.

I would be the officer receiving the folded Flag from the color guard and presenting it to the Captain's son and reciting that familiar quote I am sure most of you have heard before, "On behalf of the President of the United States and a grateful Nation........".  I received a copy of the procedures and the remarks I needed to make a couple of weeks ago, so like all good Naval Aviators, I have been practicing the phrase for sometime in my head to ensure I would get it right when the time came.

After they briefed me, I was outfitted with a black sword tie on the handle of my sword and black mourning armband to place on my left arm. The first procedure we went through was the Transfer Service. This is where the remains are transferred from the hearse to the Caisson and we begin a procession to the gravesite for the interment. We all moved into formation awaiting the arrival of the hearse. This was a Full Honors funeral so there were 70 military members participating in the ceremony, two platoons of Sailors, a full Navy marching band, the Navy Color Guard, the Army Caisson corps, and the Casket Bearers. As the hearse pulled up to the Caisson the POIC ordered "Present Arms" until the vehicle was in position and stopped, then we went to "Order Arms". The Bearers then moved in to position, we went to "Present Arms" again and the band played the always emotional Navy Hymn. During this time the Bearers moved the Urn and Flag onto the Caisson at which point we went to "Order Arms" again. I then moved in to position next to the chaplain and we began the march (haven't done that in a long time!) to the gravesite. It was about four blocks, departing from McClellan Gate, past Eisenhower Avenue to the gravesite. As we marched I was struck by the serenity and peaceful beauty of this revered place of honor. I had not been to Arlington for over 10 years and never had been there for an actual funeral. Upon arrival at the gravesite I took my position at curbside for the removal of the Flag and Urn from the Caisson. As the Bearers began to move the Flag and Urn we went to "Present Arms" and the band played one of my favorites, America the Beautiful. The Chaplain and I then preceded the Bearers to the gravesite where we took our positions, the chaplain at the head of the gravesite and I to his left and just behind. We resumed the "Present Arms" position until the Urn was in place on the pedestal at which point we dropped our salute. At this point the Chaplain gave a very stirring committal service which, while watching the very emotional reaction of the son and family members, made it difficult to maintain any sense of composure. At the conclusion of the committal service, we went to Present Arms and the rifle detail fired three sharp volleys in succession. The bugler then played "Taps", which always gets to me, so again I struggled to maintain my composure. At this point we again went to "Order Arms and I changed positions with the Chaplain at the head of the gravesite. The Casket Bearer detail then began the beautiful and professionally smart process of folding our Flag into a perfect triangle with the stars in perfect alignment. The head Casket Bearer then turned to present the flag to me.

As instructed, I first rendered a salute for three seconds, then I took the Flag from the casket bearer, left hand over right. The head casket bearer saluted the Flag and returned to his position and gave the bearers a facing command and marched off. As they marched off, I rotated the Flag so the long flat side was toward the next of kin and when the Bearers had exited the gravesite I turned and presented our countries Flag to Captain Coogan's son, Nicholas, and recited the words I had been practicing so diligently....."On behalf of the President of the United States, a grateful Nation, and a proud Navy, I present to you this National Ensign in dedication to your father's faithful service to the United States Armed Forces". I then stepped back one pace and rendered a hand salute for exactly seven seconds. Seemed like the longest seven seconds I had ever experienced. I then removed my right glove and shook the hands of the family members and offered my condolences. At this point we proceeded to the curbside to render a final hand salute as the Coogan's vehicle passed by. Then it was over.

It all happened pretty fast. They are averaging 20 funerals a day at Arlington, so they have it wired. I was the only potential mishap waiting to happen, and fortunately that did not occur.

   I have been in this great Navy for over 32 years and have stood my share of duty all over the world in some interesting and different situations. This was a first. It was very emotional and very moving. I was extremely proud of the professionalism and pride displayed by our Sailors in the ceremonial guard. They were outstanding in every respect! As I stood there for that seven second salute, it seemed like my career flashed before my eyes. I was never more proud of my service and felt extremely honored to have been at this hallowed place for a key role in this time honored tradition. Captain Richard Coogan was a 30 year Navy veteran who commanded six ships as well as a Riverine division in Vietnam. His awards included the Silver Star, the Bronze Star with Combat V, and the Purple Heart. He was true Veteran. Remember him this weekend and take a moment to reflect how lucky we are to live in this great country and what a privilege it is to be a member of the greatest Navy in the world! Have a great weekend!!!!!

v/r

CAPT Steve Wright