Laying Our Loved Ones To Rest With Honor And Dignity

“The first night in Morotai, the Japanese sent over a bomber on the north end of the island.  The next day we went out and dug a deeper foxhole.”  – Lt. Joseph F. Cullen, Personal Diary

My husband went to rent a car for a trip to the west coast.  The occasion:  A memorial service for his father who passed in March 2020.  While chatting with the agent, she commented that this was her fourth rental that week for such an occasion – Laying Our Loved Ones To Rest.  There has been a lot of saying goodbye over the past few years.

The backlog of “normal” passings along with the toll of the pandemic and ongoing war sobers one’s thoughts.  The need to process these passings is keen in humans.  It is good to take the time and effort to do so.

Laying Our Loved Ones To Rest

Laying Our Loved Ones To Rest

On veteran’s Day Sunday 2020 my local church had a special service to honor the veterans in our congregation.   Our pastor included my father-in-law, Major Joseph F Cullen, USAF, partly due to the wonderful video you can view here.

Daddy Joe turned 95 in January 2020.  The family gathered to celebrate and honor his life.  Representatives from Beale AFB came to the gathering to meet and pay honor to this man who served.  My husband narrated the video, but the folks at Beale put it all together.  What a wonderful gift.

Delayed Tribute To A Life Well Lived

Joe passed away a few months later in the midst of, although not due to, the pandemic.  The day before his passing, the family gathered via phone to say their goodbyes.  Although in a coma at the time, we are sure Joe was aware of our voices.

It is important to honor those who have served in the protection of our freedoms.  The freedom to choose our leaders, express our options, agree to disagree and worship, or not, in the pursuit of happiness,  These privileges and rights remain, in great measure, due to those who have fought to protect those freedoms.

Laying Our Loved Ones To Rest

On September 11, 2021, Daddy Joe’s family gathered to give honor, both civil and military to, and say final good-byes.   Yes, September 11 – is a fitting day for such an occasion.

Capturing The Story

Memorial Day is customed made for us to remember.  To share stories, to recall those who have gone before us.  This year, as you honor and commemorate, go one step further.  Choose ONE story and begin to write it down.

I have put together a workbook to help you.  My Give Your Story A Voice will guide you, step-by-step in rescuing that story you have heard from the danger of fading.  Get your copy here today!

What one passing is on your mind and heart today?  What can you do to give that life honor and dignity? Rescue their story!

Please comment below or email me at: nhcullen@cfaith.com

 

I am a former air traffic controller, pilot, Aircoupe owner, married 42 years to a great guy. We live in a 125+ year old historic Victorian, enjoy cats, vintage anything, precious friends. My passion is Giving Lost Stories A Voice – Giving Found Materials Fresh Form and Purpose!

2 thoughts on “Laying Our Loved Ones To Rest With Honor And Dignity

  1. Thank you for sharing this beautiful story, indeed appropriate for Memorial Day and to honor the patriots of the U.S.A.

    1. Thank you – laid flowers at my paternal grandparents resting place – the cemetery was awash with beautiful t flowers and flags – lots of remembering

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