Displaced Beachbums

Yesterday, we attended the funeral of Private (PVT) Kennie in Maine.

I didn’t know him personally, but FM was asked to say a few words on his behalf and I wanted to come to support FM. The only people I knew at the service were the other soldiers who made the 8.5 hour drive like we did.  The Funeral Home, where the service was held, had a gorgeous view of the rolling hills. I could only imagine how glorious it must have been a few weeks ago when the leaves were still in technicolor reds and yellows.

It was a military service with an Army chaplain presiding. FM said a few words, then the Company Commander spoke and then his Platoon Sergeant had us all in tears but with a few laughs in-between. That’s one thing I’ve come to count on from soldiers, most have a healthy sense of humor and when times are tough, they can make light of almost any situation. There were a few stories about Justin that I’m sure had to be “cleaned up” a little for the audience.  But the important thing is it brought a brief smile to all the faces there.

I knew what to expect because there are traditional military honors done at all military funerals. The casket was carried by the Honor Guard who were all Maine National Guardsmen. The folded flag was presented by a two star General and then there was the 21 gun salute which I forgot to warn Favorite Girl about ~ she jumped and thought someone might get hurt from the bullets. I explained the guns have blanks and we were safe.  At the end, Taps was played. I defy anyone with a heart to get through the playing of Taps at a funeral without at least getting a lump in your throat.

Justin will be honored next week at Ft. Drum with a Army memorial service. I’m already bracing myself for roll call which is the saddest part.  An example of the roll call would go something like this: the First Sergeant (1SGT) will call “PVT Jones” and PVT Jones will answer “Here, First Sergeant”, then the 1SGT calls “PVT Williams” and PVT Williams answers “Here, First Sergeant” and then he calls the name of the deceased which in this case will be “PVT Kennie”, silence. Then he’ll say “PVT Justin Kennie”, silence. Then he’ll say “PVT Justin J. Kennie.”  then only SILENCE…  I’m crying just typing the words.

My heart aches for his mom, dad, family, friends and fellow soldiers. He was obviously very loved and will be missed.