Very important reason to be here. For years I knew I had to be here when the appropriate day arrived. My uncle Jack was a US Naval Academy graduate and served for many years in the US Navy starting in 1945. He eventually rose to the rank of Commander and served on submarines. He lived to be age 96 and recently passed away. His wife, my aunt Linda, died in 2012. Both were cremated in preparation for being interred in the US Naval Academy Columbarium.

The five children, my cousins, and their spouses, children and grandchildren all attended as did myself and one other (of eleven) of their cousins on their mother's side. Many friends and neighbors were present as were some of uncle Jack's surviving classmates (and they led us in the singing of an academy naval song, "Navy Blue and Gold". The retired admiral said it is a tradition to sing the song at the service as their fellow classmates pass.

While a naval officer presided, two enlisted men did the ceremony of the flag folding to present to one of my cousins. A naval chaplin said words in praise of my aunt and uncle. And, from the distance, a naval crewman played taps, saluted, then marched away. First time I have heard that live. Quite stirring.

A reception was held at the nearby Naval Club. Food, drink and much conversation. At one point, the five children in turn spoke about their parents. This will be quite a change for that family with the older generation now completely gone for our extended family. I even heard a passing mention that the family house, occupied since the mid-1960's (and I have spent many nights there over the years), will be sold.