The American Spectator

Reader Mail

The Dead and the Dignified

5.31.05 @ 12:01AM

WHO ELSE?
Re: President Bush's Leave No Embryo Behind:

I find it a measure of the disintegration of the Democrats when I consider that there is not one nationally known Democrat who could have sounded credible delivering those eloquent remarks. How refreshing it is to have a leader with such a profound moral clarity; who is so obviously on God's side.
-- John Jarrell
San Antonio, Texas

A HOLIDAY SALUTE
Re: Shawn Macomber's The Arlington Ladies:

What a lovely tribute, Mr. Macomber. I never knew the Arlington Ladies existed before this article, but I am so glad to know they do. It's comforting to know that they pay tribute to those who have given so much for this wonderful country of ours. It's also comforting to know that some traditions still exist in this crazy culture. Thank you, Mr. Macomber, and a humble thank you to the quiet dignity of the Arlington Ladies.
-- Deborah Durkee
Tampa, Florida

Here in San Diego, we have the "Dignity Memorial" services every month. Destitute Vets are given a full Military Funeral Service -â€" Chaplain, Rifle Salute, Taps, and a Flag Draped coffin. I became aware of this program through a fellow Rotary member who is in charge of the local Vietnam Veterans Services. "Sometimes," he said, "there are no family members to accept the flag. Would you be willing to stand in as family some time?"

It was one of the most moving things I have ever done. The flag that covered this vet's coffin is cased and displayed by my desk. A small plague tells all that we know about him. He was born in Kentucky, served in the Army from 1-67 to 4-70 and died alone in San Diego 2-05. He is not forgotten.

Thank you for the wonderful article about the Arlington Ladies. God Bless them every one.
-- Steve Hubbard
San Diego, California

What a touching piece. Every once in a very long while I read something like this, and I find myself hovering somewhere between admiration and shame, in that I do not know if I have ever done something so simple, and yet so caring, in my life.
-- Robert E. Martini, Esq.
Glen Rock, New Jersey

Thank you for the wonderful story about the Arlington Ladies. I wish I could serve with them; however, I don't think I would have the ability to keep my emotions from spilling out. These women have so much courage and compassion. God bless all of them in their work. They are extraordinary.
-- Clasina Segura, a Navy veteran from the early '60s.
New Iberia, Louisiana

The phrase "much less publicized than the 21-gun salute" is used in this article as if it applies to all military funerals, but it does not. A president or head of state is the only person authorized such a salute.

A 21-gun salute is fired by artillery, one round at a time at measured intervals. Think back to Ronald Reagan's funeral -- that is what you witnessed. What usually happens at military services are three volleys of musketry. This is a tradition practiced since our Civil War when each side would signal that the truce to bury the dead was no longer needed by firing three volleys.

You are not alone in this misconception -- I have written editors repeatedly about this error, but the "word" apparently just doesn't get around. I guess knowledgeable veterans are in short supply in newsrooms.

The sad thing is that "you could look it up!"
-- Rod Smith

God Bless the United States of America. And God Bless the Arlington Ladies.
-- James N. Ward
Breux-Joy, France

SCOUNDREL TIME
Re: Clinton W. Taylor's Curious, George!:

Letter to the Editor

topics:
John McCain, Television, Business, Religion, Constitution, Law, Supreme Court, Military, NATO, Conservatism, Oil