Was here to attend the funeral of Kenny Greenway, one of my soldiers when I commanded an infantry company during the Vietnam War. This is a very small tidy town in rural West Virginia. This is the local funeral home.
Everyone seems to know everyone else here, especially since everyone attending know Kenny's family who were long-time residents. I was the only outsider there.
The funeral home had been a private residence and was now set up to hold memorial services. I arrived after a 5 hour drive so went right in to attend the 4 - 6 pm service. It was nearly a mob scene.
At least 300 people were lined up, sitting in the rows of chairs and standing in small groups talking. Kenny was laid out in his coffin, an American flag was draped and folded on the base of his coffin, his Army uniform on a stand by his head. Flowers were arranged on stands and tables around him.
We sat in rows of chairs while an organist played and a photo show was running on a screen on one end of the room.
It was all about Kenny and all was good. As the guests left, the Masons came in to do their ritual service. Wallace and Wallace did a great set-up and the viewing went smoothly well into the evening. They really did a good job.
The next day funeral service was in the same room. The casket was closed, minister spoke and there was music. I represented our Vietnam unit, so I spoke about Kenny and described how well he was liked and the situation we were living in. It was very touching and sweet as these neighbors and friends knew Kenny all his life.
I was honored to be there. read more
