Showing posts with label Arlington Cemetery Burial. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Arlington Cemetery Burial. Show all posts

Thursday, January 6, 2011

A Place with a View

After three months it was time to make the trip to DC to bury Dad in Arlington National Cemetery.  Due to the war there is a three month wait for burials.  After 28 years in the Air Force he was entitled to a burial with full military honors.

During his last week with us we discussed where he wanted to be buried, when we suggested Arlington he got a sweet grin on this face and said he would like that.   On January 5, 2011 Col. Ray Vitkus received a full military burial in Arlington National Cemetery.  He has a beautiful view of the Potomac River and the Pentagon.  This is very appropriate since he worked at the Pentagon for a number of years.



We were blessed to have so many friends and family attend the service to show their love for dad.  After the service we had a reception at our old church.  It was amazing to be able to see so many of our friends from years ago.  There were even a hand full of people that had worked with dad or for dad over the years.




The service was perfect.  The Air Force honor guard did a wonderful job.  It was very moving.  The 21 gun salute and playing of "Taps" was very emotional.