On Behalf of a Grateful Nation

     Today, March 10, 2012, was a cold and rainy day in Olympia, Washington, not at all unusual for late winter in the Northwest. Rain and low clouds, at least to me, have always seemed to muffle sounds and today was no exception. The heavy traffic on Ruddell Avenue a short distance away was barely noticeable, but other sounds came through very well.

     No matter how many times I have heard it in the past, and even though I knew it was coming, the first volley of gunfire caused me to flinch. Two more volleys followed, for a total of 21 shots. Then came the sound that always gets to me, the sound of TAPS. The notes from the bugle reflected off the low clouds and the nearby trees, making it seem at times far away, as if the notes were searching for something or somebody.

     TAPS came about as an adaptation of the bugle call for Extinguish Lights, a long time military tradition that signaled the official end of the day and a time for rest. One general thought that the original bugle call was too formal and is credited with changing it to a more peaceful sounding tune. It came to be used in military funerals during the Civil War when a captain ordered it played for the funeral of one of his men who had been killed during a skirmish. He was afraid that since the confederate troops were so close, that the traditional three volleys of cannon fire might cause the fighting to start up again.

     The military honors witnessed today were in honor of a veteran and a signal that it was time for him to rest.

     Gordon G. Perry was born on May 30, 1936, and spent 21 years in the Army, retiring as a Master Sergeant. He wore the Big Red 1 of the First Infantry Division based out of Ft. Lewis, Washington. He served one tour of duty in Korea, two tours in Vietnam, and the Berlin Crisis. He was awarded this nation's fourth-highest combat medal, the Bronze Star, three times, and received the Purple Heart four times for wounds received in combat. It was said that Gordon never questioned his orders and went where he was sent, but he demanded and ensured that the men under his authority always had the best chance to come back alive.

     After his military service, he turned his focus to his family and community, where he started several businesses, including auto parts, towing, wood cutting, and truck driving. He always included his family in the business as well as fun times.

     A Cherokee Prayer, read during his eulogy, stated, 

“ As I walk the trail of life, 
In the fear of the wind and the rain, 
Grant O Great Spirit, 
That I may always, 
Walk as a man."

     I did not know Gordon very well; I met him one time when my wife, who is his wife's cousin, asked me to take her to visit shortly before his death. After talking to him that day, and from learning what I did today, I am confident that Gordon was granted that request from God, and he did indeed “walk as a man.”

     The 21-gun salute and TAPS were two of the military honors given to Gordon today, the third and last was given to his wife Lucy. Two soldiers quietly folded a large flag into the triangle shape that resembles that shape of the hat worn by the colonial soldiers during the fight for independence. Each fold has a story or meaning. The following explanation is courtesy of the United States Air Force Academy.

          "The first fold is a symbol of our life.

          The second fold is a symbol of our belief in eternal life.

           The third fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veteran departing our ranks who gave a portion of life for the defense of our country to attain a peace throughout the world.

          The fourth fold represents our weaker nature, for as American citizens trusting in God, it is to Him we turn in times of peace as well as in times of war for His divine guidance.

           The fifth fold is a tribute to our country, for in the words of Stephen Decatur, "Our country, in dealing with other countries, may she always be right; but it is still our country, right or wrong."

           The sixth fold is for where our hearts lie. It is with our heart that we pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

           The seventh fold is a tribute to our Armed Forces, for it is through the Armed Forces that we protect our country and our flag against all her enemies, whether they be found within or without the boundaries of our republic.

           The eighth fold is a tribute to the one who entered in to the valley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of day, and to honor mother, for whom it flies on mother's day.

           The ninth fold is a tribute to womanhood; for it has been through their faith, love, loyalty and devotion that the character of the men and women who have made this country great have been molded.

           The tenth fold is a tribute to father, for he, too, has given his sons and daughters for the defense of our country since they were first born.

           The eleventh fold, in the eyes of a Hebrew citizen, represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon, and glorifies, in their eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

           The twelfth fold, in the eyes of a Christian citizen, represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in their eyes, God the Father, the Son, and Holy Ghost.

           When the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost, reminding us of our national motto, "In God we Trust."

   The folded flag was presented to Lucy “On behalf of a grateful nation!” May we all be grateful to Gordon and all the veterans who served this nation.