Jerry's daughter, Joan found this photo of Jerry and scanned it to a digital photo. It is of Jerry in the Pacific carrying his M1 Carbine. The other MARINES are carrying Carbines as well.I began the day with the Special Forces Association in Exeter at the Veterans Cemetery. One of my fellow Pipers, Sgt. Major David Morgan of The 43rd MP Brigade played Amazing Grace as a final Salute to the Fallen.
My final stop was at Rita and Jerry's grave. Another fellow worker had wanted to place a US Flag at the grave for Jerry. It was considerably warmer then the last time I was there. The Cemetery was full of folks paying respects to family members. It was truly full of the Choicest Flowers of the Springtime. We placed a second flag to the left of the head stone.
I leave you with the part of the passage from Gen. John A. Logan's order recognizing Memorial Day.
"The 30th day of May, 1868, is designated for the purpose of strewing with flowers or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion, and whose bodies now lie in almost every city, village, and hamlet churchyard in the land. In this observance no form or ceremony is prescribed, but posts and comrades will in their own way arrange such fitting services and testimonials of respect as circumstances may permit......
If other eyes grow dull and other hands slack, and other hearts cold in the solemn trust, ours shall keep it well as long as the light and warmth of life remain in us.
Let us, then, at the time appointed, gather around their sacred remains and garland the passionless mounds above them with choicest flowers of springtime; let us raise above them the dear old flag they saved from dishonor; let us in this solemn presence renew our pledges to aid and assist those whom they have left among us as sacred charges upon the Nation's gratitude,--the soldier's and sailor's widow and orphan."
Gen. John A. Logan
Headquarters,
Grand Army of the Republic
Washington, D.C., May 5, 1868
