(The Socotras flank Mac earlier this month. Photo ONI.)

Mike had the little brass box that contained his Dad’s earthly remains.

Mac was in place on a low table in front of the Sanctuary at the Lutheran Church up Rt 50. He was punctual, and the Color Guard from the Office of Naval Intelligence was doing a run-through before the mourners arrived.

I remember having Raven and Big Mama’s ashes around the place for a couple months before we could get it together to arrange the stones and the ceremony and the lunch. There is a commonality to all this, combined with a rawness that would be unendurable were it not for the mundane tasks that make up life.

It is all good, and necessary, and completely appropriate.

Anything involving Arlington Cemetery includes the bureaucracy of the United States Army. That means death has to be deconstructed into two parts: the first to acknowledge the immediacy of death, and the second to perform the ceremonial ritual of interment.

The first part was pretty good. The chapel was full of mourners. The Color Guard was crisp and professional. The three hymns- Amazing Grace, Eternal Father and the recessional Holy Holy Holy marked the mood, and I bellowed as loudly as I could.

The reception was great. The Wake, held at Mac’s old home where Dave’s family now lives, was thoughtful and elegant.

Then it was time to move on.

Some pictures of Mac’s last official act, his visit to ONI for Nimitz Day on the 4th of this month appeared.

That is the way I choose to remember him. What a guy.

Copyright 2012 Vic Socotra
www.vicsocotra.com

Note: yesterday’s lead photo caption credited Dave Showers. Mike pointed out that it was his.