Firefighter from NYC Funeral Service -- w/ piper and fly over

[Spartan]

Sounds like a pleasant but sad experience. I've played for funerals that were really uplifting, in a way.

Not meaning any disrespect to your late friend, but I thought firefighters did not "allow" cremation?

I have no idea. This is what he arranged. His cremains were placed in the church columbarium next to his wife's, who died about 12-14 years ago.

[macwilkin]

Frank,

May light perpetual shine upon Al.

Your story reminded me of my grandfather taking me to Luke when I was in junior high. Security was much different back then, and he had a "calling card" from when he was discharged in 1946 that "would serve to introduce him at all Army Air Force installations". The USAF, I'm pleased to say, still honoured the card, and the airmen at the front gates of Luke (and D-M in Tucson) would always throw him a salute and a "thank you for your service, sir" (even though he was a Tech. 4th class!)

When he passed on in 2005, our priest conducted the graveside ceremony in his Class "A's" -- he was a Colonel in the Chaplain's Corps -- your story brought that day back, but in a good way.

Regards,

Todd