Our journey to Arlington National Cemetery for Dad’s inurnment was at the height of rush hour; yet, the morning’s arrival was beautiful and peaceful. The fresh morning dew was still glistening on the freshly cut grass, and the rows of graves lay quiet. Military servicemen and women made their way around the base and to their required stations, and we meditated on the somber and peaceful atmosphere that Arlington presented for us and the thousands that had gone before.

Our loving family members and dear friends made their way through the security checkpoints and through hours of traffic to the Old Post Chapel for Dad’s service. People travelled in from all over the country to pay their respects to Charles Wendell Curtis, 2nd Lieutenant Army Air Core (the Air Force prior to July 1947), loving husband, wonderful father, and close friend.

Dad received full military honors during his ceremony today. After a beautiful early morning service, the pall bearers delivered Dad’s urn to the awaiting Air Force caisson. Six beautiful appaloosa horses were awaiting his urn for his last ride to its final resting place. The Air Force Honor Guard and Band played the Battle Hymn of the Republic and God Bless America while the entire procession made its way from the chapel to the Columbarium. The pall bearers transferred Dad to a ceremonial stand where the flag ceremony commenced and Taps was played during a 21 Gun Salute – 7 Soldiers, 3 rounds of synchronized firing.

The tears were flowing down my face as I looked out into the cemetery’s field, a warm breeze blowing back upon me, and the sound of the bugle in my ears. Thousands of grave markers lined the landscape and the Air Force Color Guard and the Rifle Team in the background. I will never forget the honor that I felt today on Dad’s behalf. I knew he would be so proud. (There are many photos from today’s ceremony posted in the photo section. You can order prints from the originals that are there, and you can also download the pictures as well). The view from Dad’s final resting place is overlooking the Washington Monument to the east and of the Air Force Memorial to the south. As a native Washingtonian, I know he could not ask for more.

Thank you again for your attendance today, and I am grateful for the honor that you bestowed upon Charles. I know he would have greatly appreciated it.
He was certainly a part of the Greatest Generation…

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