Six pairs of mirror shined black shoes marched in unison. Small deliberate steps taken to an exacting beat. Three pairs faced the other three pairs and suddenly strong hands inside bright white gloves grasped the handles aside of the American flag draped, ultra-shiny metal casket. The six pairs of shoes now faced the same direction and began walking with the precision of a Swiss watch movement. Three on one side, three on the other.

My family and I followed the foot procession down a winding sidewalk. Slowly...painfully we walked. Heads down, arm in arm to form a human chain of love and remembrance. Nearing the amphitheater we saw so many people in the seating area all standing and watching the sad progression. Finally the detail stopped at a central point down in front of the seats. If this were an amphitheater for live performances, the casket would be center stage. With great precision and expertise, the casket was set upon a stand. An Army chaplain reminded everyone that the service here today was to honor a hero. Then he gave a sermon which actually was quite positive and reassuring. The official bugler played a couple of traditional religious tunes like Amazing Grace. The chaplain gave the podium to Gen. Carter Ham who spoke loudly, clearly and proudly as he announced that he was there to award the Bronze Star medal and the Purple Heart medal to the slain soldier in recognition of meritorious actions in the performance of his duties. The medals were given to the soldier's wife Sarah, mother and his father Marvin.

Six pairs of mirror shined black shoes returned with the same perfect rhythm. The detail was back for the next step in this ritual. They removed the huge rubber band and removed the American flag -which was folded with such care that it was almost a ceremony unto itself- then given to the soldier’s wife Sarah, mother and father in a flawless, triangle shaped walnut case.

Immediately after that, Sgt. Wesley called roll. He called out the name, Sgt. Mark Vasquez three times. The second name...Sgt. Gary Collins was shouted out three times. Finally the third name, Sgt. Ryan Young three times. All three men whose names were called died as a result of the same incident near Fallujah, Iraq. They had been on a volunteer mission that was already known to be dangerous. All three were good soldiers and well respected in their units. When all names were called thrice, another soldier shouted, “Not Present! Killed in Action!”
A few moments later a man standing over by a serene, fountain fed lake which was the backdrop to the whole scene began to play the bagpipes. It was not only beautiful but very appropriate since Ryan was most proud of his Irish heritage and loved the sound of Bagpipes. From behind and to my left came what sounded like a sharp explosion. It filled my ears and startled me at first. Then I realized that it was seven guns being shot at one time. Two seconds later, another seven guns. Finally, the last set of seven guns was discharged to complete the Twenty-one Gun Salute. Even the soldiers firing the rifles were exact. So perfect was their timing, that they fired within a fraction of a second of each other to produce what sounded like one gunshot.