In 1990 when I was reporting for my 2 weeks active duty for training for the Naval Reserves at NCS Stockton, I checked in like normal. But the Senior Chief Petty Officer surprised me. He asked if I had my dress white uniform and if I had anything to do that afternoon. I said I did have the uniform and nothing to do. He said I was to change into the uniform and report in 15 minutes. I did as directed to find myself and 5 other active duty petty officers were going in a van somewhere. At the time, I was the only reservist, the only female and 4 months pregnant. Come to find out, we ended up at a cemetery... we were the burial detail for a Vietnam Veteran.
We prepared and lined up. The caufin was already on the stand. After marching in, I was the one standing closes to the end by the stars. They wanted me to fold the flag. The amount of emotion for someone I didn't know overcame me. I folded the flag with the greatest care, tucked in 3 gun shells that were from the 21 gun salute, then walked up to the widow. With her, her son and grandson present, I knelt down on one knee, presented the flag and let her know that on behalf of a grateful nation, we were thankful for what her husband did for his country and that nothing would measure up to what he gave for all of us.
This is the greatest honor anyone is given, especially me as a reservist sine we normally don't get to participate in such an event. To this day, almost 26 years later, I still get chocked up recalling the event. I'm very honored I got to lay to rest someone who gave his all for this nation.
Tucson, AZ