Paying Tribute to Fallen Soldiers

A man who serves his country, great President Roosevelt once stated, "Is the highest compliment and honor that can be bestowed upon a man." The brave men and women who serve their country, know no fear. They serve their country with pride, knowing fully well that there might indeed come a day when they don't return home. Honoring the death of a fallen soldier is a respect and honor of anyone who knows or wants to pay their respects to a soldier lost in combat. When a fallen soldier dies in battle, his comrades and fellow solders carry his body above their solders, marching in military style lines and marching with solemness. Their hands at a salute as they pass other soldiers by. Soldiers take off their hats and stand still as his body passes by. Flags are held at half mast for the entire day from sun up to sun down. Soldiers might also wear a special patch that apys tribute to their fallen comrade. His body is put in a sturdy cast and his coffin is draped with an American flag. In addition, the fallen solder might also be given a special medal such a special purple heart for his courage in battle. When his body is returned to his family, it is delivered by military soldiers who salute the family. The family is dressed in black for the mourning period.

There will be a church session in which everyone who knew him will attend and the choir will sing songs of praises to this brave man. The fallen soldier is then delivered to a cemetery, sometimes Arlington National Cemetery where other great military leaders and presidents are buried. At the funeral, military generals and soldiers the man knew in battle honor him. Great long emotional and sad speeches are made telling what a great friend, soldier and family man he was. His body is carried to the dug hole in the groud by soldiers in army style line, 2 men carrying the body on each side over the shoulder, saluting the family of the fallen soldier. The army men wear special white gloves in solmness of their fallen friend. His body is gentley placed into the ground. Cannos or guns are fired into the air, several, usually about twelve of them at the same time fire at the military leader's command near the grave site to pay tribute. Flowers are handed to the widow and American leaders who attend the funeral, both political and miltary leaders console the grieving family and hand them flowers.

The grieving family then mourns the death of the soldier for a period of time according to that family's custom, usually about one week and family and friends attend to the grieving family at their home. Miniature American flags are stuck into the ground near the grave and a special plaque is on the grave, citing the man's achivements in battle and in life and giving him the recognition of serving for his country.

This is the process of grieving for a fallen soldier, the highest compliment anyone could give to this ordinary man who fought for his country and gave his life and became anything but an ordinary citizen.