…”Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?”

The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

I Corinthians 15:54-57

Ray Allen Keesling (September 11, 1931-July 16, 2010)

Uncle Ray was laid to rest on July 23, 2010. We were blessed to be able to travel to California to honor his memory. We had a wonderful time visiting with Aunt Carol and with the extended families.

A Military Honors burial is a moving ceremony. We learned that it depends on your rank how many Honor Guards participate. Since Uncle Ray was a Chief Master Sergeant he was honored with 10 Honor Guards from Beale Air Force Base at his burial.

Heroes in Heaven

by Janet A. Norwood

Heaven’s full of heroes
who sacrificed their lives
in service to our Country
so that Liberty survives.

Uniforms of blue or gray,
khaki or olive green;
skin of every color;
young and old and in between.

They fought in many places-
spanning history and time.
Flags wave in their honor still;
in tribute, church bells chime.

In cornfields of America
or on Europe’s distant shore;
Pacific Island paradise
or Chosin Reservoir.

In blowing desert sands,
or in jungles’ stifling heat,
on Navy ships or in the air,
or Fallujah’s dusty streets.

It doesn’t matter where they fell
or if we know each name.
What matters is to know that
when their Nation called, they came.

Grateful for their service,
for the precious blood they spilled;
for their sacrifice and courage,
and the duty they fulfilled.

Yes, heaven’s full of heroes-
now part of history.
We treasure what they gave to us-
The Gift of Liberty.

I’m adding this post to Blue Monday hosted by Smiling Sally!