We talked about Captain Albert Schlegel early last month when USAFRetired sent us links to the news that his remains had been identified. Now, USAFRetired sends us the news reports of the interment of his remains and his last trip to Beaufort National Cemetery, South Carolina. From the Beaufort Gazette;
U.S. Army Air Force Capt. Albert Schlegel rode to his final resting place draped in an American flag.
The silver hearse passed under a large flag hanging over the roadway and motored by dozens of smaller flags waved by people who never knew the ace World War II aviator whose remains were identified last year after more than 70 years.
The ceremony was as much a homecoming parade as it was a funeral on a warm Thursday morning at Beaufort National Cemetery.
“This is a moment of closure,” Schlegel’s nephew, Callawassie Island resident Perry Nuhn, told a large crowd gathered with the casket. “This is a happy moment.”
Welcome Home Sir. May you be at peace at your eternal rest. You definitely earned it.
The video appropriately stopped as the captain’s remains passed through the gate of the cemetery. As for the parade-like procession down the street, I had to think about it for two seconds. Yes, it was okay. They are welcoming a hero home.
It gave me pause, also. But, after thought, I found it acceptable. It should not be a somber affair, and it wasn’t. In good taste after all.
Welcome Home, Sir. You were gone but never forgotten. Blessings …
Rest well, Sir.
And enjoy the ride.
Rest in peace, sir. Welcome home.
We were there and it was a great ceremony. His only living relative, AF Colonel, Ret., said this is not a somber moment but a happy occasion. He is home, he is known. There was everything from school kids, teacher, Marines from PI, Marine Pilots and ground crew from MCAS, police, students on spring break, and of course the service organizations, especially the DAV, and my Col Jimmy Leach Memorial Chapter 1948, Military Order of the Purple Heart. The Army Honor Guard was fantastic, and the Patriot Guard riders were also there. I saw little kids with their hands on their hearts during TAPS. He is resting in peace now. A great day, and the people of Beaufort came out in full force to welcome him home.
Thanks for that report, trooper. It explains a lot. Much appreciated.
You are very welcome bro. Our paper could have done a better video, especially at the ceremony site. You would have loved it.
Thanks. I was wondering if there were any living relatives. Glad to read that there was one.
Even if there were none, he still didn’t go off alone and unmourned.
Woodman, I couldn’t get this many to mine if they all bring dates. He came home in a blaze of glory.
Praise God for Patriots!