My wonderful daughter, Jenny, is down in Washington DC on her eighth grade field trip. Their first visit yesterday afternoon was to Arlington National Cemetery to visit the tomb of the unknown soldier and her grandfather. This is the first time that a member of our family has visited the site where Dad’s ashes are buried, and guess what, there was a typo on the plaque. My father’s name is Richard R. Cheswick and they have him as Richard J. Cheswick. Needless to say, we’re getting that fixed.
Since I haven’t written about Dad’s burial, I thought I would include some of the pictures from his service. Arlington does an amazing job honoring our veterans.
My father was honorably discharged as a Captain in the United States Army Air Corps. He was a member of the Eighth Air Force, 365th Bomb Group. Dad was a navigator and flew in B17s, the Flying Fortress. He completed 29 missions bombing strategic locations throughout Europe during World War II. He never thought he would make it out alive. He considered the next 62 years bonus years.
After a simple service at a chapel in the middle of Arlington, we walked outside to witness Dad’s ashes being carried by a horse drawn casson with a full military guard.
While my mother sat in the back of the limo, the rest of us got out and walked behind the casson. It was easily a 15 minute walk through hallowed ground. Lawn mowers stopped, pedestrians stopped, everyone saluted the passing procession.
Once we got to the Columbarium where his ashes were going to be placed, solidiers stood at attention, ready to fire the 21 gun salute.
I wish that Dad had been alive to see that day. He would have been uncommonly proud and also amazed that a young kid from Rockville Centre, New York would spend eternity at Arlington. It was a hugely proud day for our family and somehow I think, Dad knows where he rests.