Major James Briggs, USMC
#1

Today I had the honor of being the Officer in Charge for a military funeral. The deceased, Major James Briggs, retired as a major in 1971, and was 78. I was asked to do the honors last week as there are not many majors on base and the LtCol who was looking for one knew me (he was my promoting officer). It was a small detail, only me a sgt, and another sgt from the band who played taps. The Sgt and I posted ourselves at both ends of the casket for the service and at the end, faced toward the casket, saluted during taps, and folded the flag for presentation to the widow. I delivered the line, "On behalf of the President of the United States, the Commandant of the Marine Corps, and a grateful nation, please accept this flag as a symbol of our appreciation for Jim's service to Country and Corps." It was very emotional. Perhaps most emotional, besides the widow, was one of the great grandchildren who was present - a girl of about 9 or so. I said my condolences to all and saved the last for the girl. I was proud to be a part. Rest in Peace.

Reply
#2

Todd, your description and actions for the funeral of Major Briggs are very moving. The Lt Col chose well and I join you in also saying Rest in Peace..

 

Colin.

Reply


Possibly Related Threads…
Thread Author Replies Views Last Post
  Farewell Major Norman Hatch buk2112 2 5,070 04-27-2017, 02:18 PM
Last Post: Walt's Daughter
  Farewell Clifton James buk2112 2 4,425 04-25-2017, 12:14 PM
Last Post: Walt's Daughter
  Farewell to First Lt. James H. Dahlmann 187th First Combat Division rrh0325 2 4,735 11-30-2015, 07:49 AM
Last Post: Walt's Daughter
  Farewell - James Coward of the 285th Engr. cincinnatikid 1 3,623 11-15-2014, 11:48 AM
Last Post: Walt's Daughter
  Farewell Jesse R James - 39th Engineer Walt's Daughter 2 4,545 04-23-2014, 07:55 AM
Last Post: Walt's Daughter
  James Arness dies Walt's Daughter 0 2,554 06-06-2011, 10:27 AM
Last Post: Walt's Daughter
  Major Dick Winters passed away Frank Gubbels 8 10,790 01-14-2011, 06:06 PM
Last Post: Jeeper704
  The passing of James Bird - 45th Infantry Walt's Daughter 0 2,742 01-10-2010, 09:52 AM
Last Post: Walt's Daughter
  Get well cards for James Bird- 45th Inf Div Walt's Daughter 1 3,792 02-07-2009, 04:28 PM
Last Post: Walt's Daughter
  Buchenwald liberator- James Hoyt Walt's Daughter 1 4,608 08-16-2008, 04:27 PM
Last Post: Jeeper704



Users browsing this thread: 1 Guest(s)