Burial Service at Arlington Nat'l Cemetery (many images)

[Mike Buckley]

The photos shown below are of the burial service of Ethel Warner, who served 21 years in the Women's Army Corps of the United States Army and retired as a Major in 1964. The service was with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery, which is the primary U.S. military cemetery. Though this service was conducted by Army personnel because Ethel had been in the Army, all branches of the U. S. military conduct services at Arlington. Up to 30 funeral services each weekday and up to 8 services each Saturday take place there.

Photo 1: The military escort is comprised of units of The United States Army Band and the United States Army's Old Guard (responsible also for guarding the Tomb of the Unknowns). The escort waits for the hearse and everyone attending the service to arrive.

Photos 2 through 4: The coffin is moved from the hearse to the caisson. The flag is affixed to the coffin in accordance with strict regulations regarding the details of that procedure.

Photos 5 and 6: After the funeral processes through the cemetery (attendees walk or drive behind the caisson), the band plays and other members of the escort stand at attention while the coffin is carried from the caisson to the site of the burial service.

Photos 7 and 8: The bearers place the coffin at the site of the burial service, which is just steps away from the final burial plot. The service then commences with attendees gathered near the coffin.

Photos 9 and 10: The firing party fires three volleys representing duty, honor and country. A member of the band then plays Taps.

Photos 11 through 13: The flag is removed from the coffin, folded according to exact requirements, and the service concludes with the presiding officer presenting the flag to the designated person, usually a member of the deceased's family.


Photo 1



Photo 2



Photo 3



Photo 4



Photo 5



Photo 6



Photo 7



Photo 8



Photo 9



Photo 10



Photo 11



Photo 12



Photo 13

[Shadowman]

Nice series.

[rpcrowe]

Outstanding coverage of this event! This would make a great small photo book!

[John 2]

That's an excellent record Mike. I would think that the family would treasure copies of these if you know them.

[Mike Buckley]

Thank you, everyone!

I would think that the family would treasure copies of these if you know them.

I provided these photos and a few more to several of the family members and encouraged them to pass them along to everyone of their choice.

I had dinner with the deceased and her partner about 35 years ago and that was the only time I met either one of them. I thought I knew just three of the family relations by marriage. As it turns out, I have known one of the family members by blood relationship all along and never knew it. When I received a PDF being circulated to explain the deceased's life and the upcoming funeral logistics, it also explained to contact a particular person with any questions. As it turns out, my wife and I have known that contact person so long that we knew her before she sang at our wedding. To put that into perspective, the funeral service took place two days shy of our 34th wedding anniversary.

[wilgk]

A truly stunning series Mike, I find all images very moving, in particular #7, with the lighting 'just so' suiting the composition.
These will be treasured, I'm sure.

[Mike Buckley]

Thanks, Kay!

[KimC]

Hi Mike. I saw these earlier in the week and haven't had time to comment. I also wanted to view them on my large desktop screen. I can't tell you how much they moved me, and how fortunate the family is to have someone such as yourself document this for them. I can't tell you how many times I have wished I had images of the ceremony that occurred when my brother was laid to rest. It was something that I will never see again in my lifetime, and I only have my memory to rely on. Your images are beautiful, and are done with such care and compassion.

[Mike Buckley]

Thank you, Kim!