Community Chat

[sidsmom]

As a mark of respect for the memory of former U.S. Senator,
NASA astronaut & Military aviator John Glenn,
(final funeral rites will take place at Arlington National Cemetery),

a President's Proclamation has been made to lower all

American Flags to Half-Staff from
sunrise to sunset on Thursday, 4/6 (TH).

[golding76]

A wonderful man and patriot.  If I ever had a super-hero, that individual is John Glenn.

Here's a link to a very fine 50-year retrospective of Glenn and his major achievement of being the first American to orbit the Earth:

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/14/science/space/50-years-later-celebrating-john-glenns-great-feat.ht...

[Mz iMac]

"(final funeral rites will take place at Arlington National Cemetery),"

Didn't he die last year?  His body has been in a  morgue or undertakers all this time? 

What am I missing here?

[golding76]

This delayed burial is typical when the deceased veteran is to be buried at Arlington National Cemetery, as John Glenn will be.  A colleague (and an Air Force veteran) passed away several years ago in late Fall, and he was buried the following Spring, if I recall correctly.   The deceased have to be scheduled for their burials.  

[sidsmom]

@Mz iMac

ITA.

Since the half-staff notification came in less than 12 hr before the

flags are to be lowered, I questioned it.   I went to 4-5 different news

sources & flag notifications just to be sure this was correct before posting.

It IS weird they waited so long.

Wonder if this was a private or governmental decision for the delay...?

"The U.S. Marine Corps will begin a live stream at 9:40 a.m. that will include a processional to the graveside by caisson, a flyover, a graveside service and taps. Streaming video also will be available on NASA TV."

[golding76]

We are having bad weather here tomorrow, too.  Possible thunderstorms and heavy rain (could even be a tornado).  (I should add that I live in the metro D.C. area.)

I wonder if they will delay the funeral for one day.

[Mz iMac]

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@golding76 wrote:

This delayed burial is typical when the deceased veteran is to be buried at Arlington National Cemetery, as John Glenn will be.  A colleague (and an Air Force veteran) passed away several years ago in late Fall, and he was buried the following Spring, if I recall correctly.   The deceased have to be scheduled for their burials.  

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Thank you for that info Goldie.  So where are the bodies stored all that time?

[golding76]

That is a good question, Mz iMac.  I can't imagine that the U.S. Government has a large morgue that houses the deceased.  It would be more likely that the local funeral home keeps the body until it is scheduled for burial.  I really don't know, to tell the truth.

ETA: I just found this article and it appears they are stored at the funeral home.

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2014/09/14/families-wait-months-to-bury-loved-ones-at-arl...

[Puzzle Piece]

In OBSERVANCE of the late John Glenn, I will display my flag. 

It seems appropriate to lay him to rest on the anniversary of his passing over in Arlington Cemetary. 

Thank you John, America greatly benefitted from your discipline and courage. 

[proudlyfromNJ]

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@Mz iMac wrote:

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@golding76 wrote:

This delayed burial is typical when the deceased veteran is to be buried at Arlington National Cemetery, as John Glenn will be.  A colleague (and an Air Force veteran) passed away several years ago in late Fall, and he was buried the following Spring, if I recall correctly.   The deceased have to be scheduled for their burials.  

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Thank you for that info Goldie.  So where are the bodies stored all that time?

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Our flag is displayed every day. However, when you live in a climate that is frozen all winter, bodies have to be stored until the ground is pliable for burying.