In Memorium
Artillery and military honors drive the heart and soul of all who enter Post Everlasting.
Those who serve recognize the families of the POW MIA and Gold Star Mothers pay forward the ultimate sacrifice as the United States military auxiliary driving force. Mothers and flowers symbolize military honors from the perspective of those who’ve paid the ultimate price as the vigil of the loss of a son or daughter.
On Memorial Day, the King of Battle sends caissons to Arlington National Cemetery. Mothers show up with flowers who walk through and relive the agony while howitzers bark like Doberman pinchers in the face of the intruder. The howitzer speaks the lost advocacy truth while march order commands travel across the halls of Val Halla signifying sacred warriors who stayed the course of war in defense of Americanism.
Artillery dates back to the Revolutionary War with a reputation of exercising and executing the executive orders of the United States military when answering the call of duty. The M119 howitzer perpetuates and inculcates sending hot lead down range in the name of Gen. George Washington’s Righteous Army, who declared artillery as the king on the battlefield.
Let’s take a trip down range with ChatGPT and let’s hear what artificial intelligence has to say.
The M119 Howitzer is a lightweight, towed artillery piece designed for use in a variety of military settings, including as part of military honors ceremonies.
It’s known for its portability and versatility, making it useful for both field artillery operations and ceremonial purposes.
The M119 fires 105mm shells and is capable of both direct and indirect fire.
For military honors, the M119 Howitzer could be employed in the firing of salute volleys during state funerals, memorial services, or other formal military observances.
These ceremonial salutes typically involve firing blanks, with the number of rounds often corresponding to specific military traditions—such as a 21-gun salute to honor distinguished individuals or heads of state.
The M119 is especially suitable for these types of events because of its mobility and the relatively lower crew requirements compared to heavier artillery pieces. Its use in military honors underscores its adaptability to both combat and ceremonial roles.
Memorial Day at Arlington National Cemetery is a significant event in the United States, dedicated to honoring the men and women who have died while serving in the U.S. military. One of the key features of this day is the military honors paid to fallen service members, and this includes the ceremonial use of cannons and other artillery pieces in various activities.
Here’s an overview of the events that take place at Arlington National Cemetery on Memorial Day, with a particular focus on the use of cannons:
- National Memorial Day Observance Ceremony
The most prominent event at Arlington on Memorial Day is the National Memorial Day Observance ceremony. It includes speeches by the President of the United States or other dignitaries, a moment of silence, and various honors for the fallen. The ceremony usually takes place at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, where the 21-gun salute is a central feature.
- 21-Gun Salute
The 21-gun salute is a traditional military honor that involves the firing of cannons or artillery pieces. This salute is often part of the Memorial Day ceremony at Arlington, paying tribute to those who have given their lives in service. The salute is typically fired in honor of the President of the United States or as a symbolic tribute to the fallen, in this case, the U.S. military personnel.
- Firing Location: Cannons or howitzers are positioned at various places within the cemetery or at ceremonial locations, such as near the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
- How it’s done: Military personnel load and fire artillery pieces, often M119 Howitzers or other types of field artillery, in a precise and coordinated manner. The blank rounds fired create the distinctive “bang” of the salute.
- The Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
Although this event doesn’t directly involve cannons, it is an important military honor at the cemetery. The Changing of the Guard occurs every hour and involves a highly formal and respectful ceremony where a sentry changes at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. While not artillery-based, this event is a centerpiece of Memorial Day observances and symbolizes the nation’s respect for its fallen service members.
- Wreath Laying and Other Honors
In addition to the 21-gun salute, various military and veteran organizations lay wreaths at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and other parts of the cemetery. These honors may include a military band, rifle volleys, and occasionally the use of artillery pieces for ceremonial salutes. The specific use of cannons can vary by year and ceremony, but it often accompanies the wreath-laying to provide additional tribute.
- Other Military Salutes and Rites
In some cases, artillery pieces are used in other parts of the cemetery for specific rites, such as additional gun salutes during memorial services for high-ranking military officers or notable veterans. These ceremonies can involve multiple salutes, using artillery for symbolic tribute.
Memorial Day is the day for military appreciation starting with Field Artillery. The King of Battle speaks the name of Post Everlasting with each 21-gun salute. Legislatively, members of the Wisconsin Legislative body at the Committee on Rules refuse to pick up funding the POW MIA issue while members of veterans’ organizations remain vigilant on watch ensuring all veteran families who grieve on Memorial Day may do so with honor.
Losing someone who served with you is one thing. The pain is never ending. Without those who paid forward their sons and daughters, the pain is an experience only a mother can fully fathom when their children are lost for eternity. We grieve first before we honor. For grief drives the advocacy keeping the Memorial Day vigil lit.
I Will NOT Forget the POW MIA, Gold Star Mothers and their families. The burden is the weight of those who served and Memorial Day is a reminder of United States military field artillery service.
Between changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier to the laying of wreaths. The King of Battle will always be.
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