Vincent Fasano

Tomb Reflections

In the 3 years that I had the privilege of guarding the unknowns one walk in particular stands out. I remember it like it was yesterday. It was a cold winter day with howling wind. The kind of day that you really don\'t go out and about unless you have to. There were sparse crowds throughout the day at the cemetery much of whom immediately scattered after the guard change for the warmth of the tourmobile. As I began to walk the mat I could see 1 faithful visitor had remained. He was a World War 2 veteran and like many from the great generation was still proudly wearing his dress uniform. For the remainder of my cold winter walk he stood there at attention saluting for the whole time. At times I could hear him sniffling. Whether it was because he was cold or because his emotions had overtaken him I will never know. One thing I do know is that If anyone ever wanted to know why we do what we do each and every day this mans reaction was living proof. It was the proudest I ever was to be a tombguard and for that one hour I too had goosebumps and felt an overwhelming sense of emotion. When it came time to change the guard the veteran slipped away out of the spotlight to allow the other visitors their moment. I never got to speak with him but definitely would have liked to say thanks.