Uniforms at funerals/memorial services

[Dr. Strange Love]

.
You are his mother … and what you are wanting him to do [wear his SDBs] is not above and beyond what a respectful and careing son would normally do for his mother

Tell him to wear the SDBs …
.

 

[THParent]

This thread is from 2019.

 

[Heatherg21]

This thread is from 2019.

It is, but I enjoyed reading it. It really was a bit emotional.

My mom is in Stage 6 of Dementia. We placed her in assisted living in December of '21 and within 8 months, had to transition to the secured memory care wing. She has pictures of family on just about every service. We put up magnetic boards and the staff helps her put up postcards we send with pictures of us and our kids, and visits with her.

She has a picture of our son in a 5 x 7, he is in SDBs in front of the Mexican Monument, a picture Mr. Thornton took that I just love. She used to show it to everyone who would walk in her room, sometimes she wrapped it in tissues and put it in her purse. She was/is clearly very proud of him.

Fast forward to November, and '22, and she entered Hospice care in the same facility, and she remains there today.

When DS planned to come home for Christmas, I asked him if he wanted to see her and her bestie (our 'other mom', they've been best friends for 61 years). He said yes, and booked his flight to San Diego. I asked if he wouldn't mind wearing the uniform. Partly because she loved it, and partly because it might be the only way she would remember him. Each visit she has with my niece, she knows her name but thinks she is permanently 3 (she just got married and is 19).

The facility has lots of veterans, I even met a USNA alumnus there when we were touring it. The main hallways have pictures of all of the residents who served, and they really honor them.

DS said he would wear it, but he wasn't going into Trader Joe's to get flowers when I stopped to buy flowers.

When he walked into the lobby, the main dining room was full. Oh, the eyes and smiles that came his way. Several men got up from their lunch to come and chat with him and shake his hand. Their eyes just lit up. One gentleman (he was a Marine Korean Veteran) actually teared up.

When we were buzzed into Mom's wing, we headed to the family room where they were listening to music. I have a video of her seeing him for the first time. She knew immediately who he was, even though she didn't use his name. It was very clear she was proud of him and it was worth every second. We spent a few hours with her, and he definitely didn't regret wearing it.

It really can mean a lot to people that have served, loved, or lost someone who did.

 

[THParent]

There go my allergies.

 

[Capt MJ]

Ocular leakage can be a hazard of visiting SAF.

 

[Happy2BaNavyMom]

Ocular leakage can be a hazard of visiting SAF.

Ocular leakage. I love it. That will be my new phrase. If you are looking for a good phrase for "fat"...try "overtly over nourished". Another of my faves.

 

[OldRetSWO]

Ocular leakage. I love it. That will be my new phrase. If you are looking for a good phrase for "fat"...try "overtly over nourished". Another of my faves.

Remember that getting in shape can mean a lot of things. . . after all, round is a shape.

 

[Sealion II]

What a way to start the day. Thank you for that story of your mom. My mom lived with us for the last 8 years of her life, so my daughter was able to have some memories. Every night my daughter sat in her grandmother's lap as we wheeled her into her in-law suite to get her into bed. I see my mother's strength in my daughter.

 

[Just Dad]

That was worth stopping by the board today Heather

Thankyou

 

[Humey]

I am going to go against the grain. Let him wear whatever he wants as long as it's appropriate

 

[Kierkegaard]

I am going to go against the grain. Let him wear whatever he wants as long as it's appropriate

Presumably the event happened already (post is from 2019) but if this were a hypothetical, I completely agree.

 

[Happy2BaNavyMom]

Presumably the event happened already (post is from 2019) but if this were a hypothetical, I completely agree.

And...to each his own opinion. I was the OP. My DS DID, in fact, wear his uniform. He had a cousin in the Army who also wore his uniform and therefore, didn't feel quite so "trying to be in the spotlight". He wore it in memory of his Nana who was SO very proud of him...and his Papa who was still alive, at that time, and so happy "his boy" wore his uniform. He wore the Uniform, again, as an Ensign, when my Dad, his Papa, was buried in March, 2022. His Papa was buried with Full Military Honors and my mother's remains were buried with him. They both now lie in the Beautiful Military Cemetery in Dixon, CA. He has told me he never regrets wearing the uniform to either service. [BTW...that DS just finished primary flight school and will soon be flying the MV-22] (Osprey).

 

[Heatherg21]

And...to each his own opinion. I was the OP. My DS DID, in fact, wear his uniform. He had a cousin in the Army who also wore his uniform and therefore, didn't feel quite so "trying to be in the spotlight". He wore it in memory of his Nana who was SO very proud of him...and his Papa who was still alive, at that time, and so happy "his boy" wore his uniform. He wore the Uniform, again, as an Ensign, when my Dad, his Papa, was buried in March, 2022. His Papa was buried with Full Military Honors and my mother's remains were buried with him. They both now lie in the Beautiful Military Cemetery in Dixon, CA. He has told me he never regrets wearing the uniform to either service. [BTW...that DS just finished primary flight school and will soon be flying the MV-22] (Osprey).

I do appreciate a follow up to a post, especially considering the time that has passed and the emotions involved.

Thank you.

And best to your son moving forward in his career as an Osprey pilot.

The honors paid to your dad and his service are emotional. And deserved.