Of Faith, Freedom and Family

Today, Larry James Cameron was buried with military honors at Willamette National Cemetery, in Portland Oregon. It was a beautiful day today. Granddaughter Kaity would call it a "grandpa day", since it was clear, sunny, but a little cool. Most likely the perfect climate for his photography hobby!

The morning started pretty typical. Everyone a little hurried, a few errends needing to be run - like taking Taz to the groomer, a quick stop for an Egg McMuffin at McDonalds, stopping to buy a blow dryer and making a quick trip to downtown to pick up a granddaughter at Portland State. Sherry, Greg and I went to the funeral home to pick up the remains. Eventually we made our way to the cemetery and we all seemed pretty strong. Greg and I delivered the remains, a flag and a document to the main office. Waiting in our cars, I think it started to sink in why we were there. As we wound our way through the cemetery, following "Wayne" the WNC Coordinator, it was not until we turned a corner and could see off in the distance several military men in full uniform standing ready to greet us. As if we were royalty, they stood still and quiet, saluting this family of one of their former servicemen until we all took our place in the staging area. Sherry, Melody and Greg and the grandhildren sat in the clean white chairs, the rest of us gathered behind.

The honor guard gave the gun salute, followed by "Taps" played with perfection by a young military soldier on trumpet. We then viewed the emotional and intense presentation of "Old Glory". My eyes fought back tears as three finely dressed young soldiers took the flag from the table, opened it, and refolded it with intention and purpose. With perfect coreography, the folded flag was handed to Sherry. There was not a dry eye in the place (okay - maybe one from the granddaughter that doesn't cry when she is sad, but giggles!). After the flag was presented, Sherry was handed three of the shell casings from the gun salute - one representing the service to his Lord, the second service to his country, and the third the service to his family. Sherry will cherish those momentos for the rest of her days. Pastor (Commander) Gil Hansen, Sr., closed the ceremony with scripture and prayer. The family and few close friends in attendance then mingled for awhile - reminiscing, wiping tears, shooting photos, and planning where to go for lunch!

The military men and women and the professionals at Willamette National Cemetery, were phenominal and take the utmost care of the grounds. It is a breathtaking place. You'd expect that since they do these ceremonies hundreds of times a year. But somehow today seemed extra special...just for us.

The rest of the day was spent just hanging out as families do at times like this. Looking at old photos, hearing & telling stories, taking quick cat naps and trying to prepare ourselves for Saturdays service. It will be a hard day for sure, but we are grateful that Larry lived the kind of life that makes it pretty easy to celebrate. In the next day or two we will go and place flowers at the grave, a visit I am sure we will makeoften for years to come.

Rest well, Larry, rest well...