WHEN? Thursday · August 27
WHERE? Olive Branch, Mississippi · find us on the map
Some unique experiences were part of a WWII veteran's funeral we recently attended. At the close of the service, our funeral procession traveled nearly 20 miles along a busy interstate to historic Elmwood Cemetery in Midtown Memphis. As each vehicle crossed the quaint stone bridge leading into the cemetery, the daredevil Memphis motorcycle officers who had escorted us stood at attention on either side and saluted until the last car had passed. Unexpected and touching.
I would have been very disappointed had not the video turned out as Taps was played at the cemetery. Since some of the deceased's large family were unable to attend, it was one of many photos and videos taken at Elmwood to share with them.
Day is done, Gone the sun,
From the lakes · From the hills · From the sky,
All is well, Safely rest, God is nigh
Fading light dims the sight,
And a star · Gems the sky · Gleaming bright,
From afar, drawing nigh, falls the night
Thanks and praise for our days,
Neath the sun · Neath the stars · Neath the sky,
As we go, this we know: God is nigh
Prior to arriving at Elmwood Cemetery, I recall saying something like, "This is one helluva funeral procession!" Much of it was along I-240 through Memphis. Granted, there isn't a route between Olive Branch and Midtown Memphis more suitable or sensible than this. But it was the first time I realized that a funeral procession could actually share that stretch of highway alongside drivers doing 75 and 80 MPH. Those Memphis motorcycle cops were outstanding!
ReplyDeleteI even considered writing to the Memphis Police Dept. about how good those motorcycle policemen were, but you know how good intentions go...
ReplyDelete