As I have written about before, one of the ministries we are privileged to serve is supporting interments at Quantico National Cemetery. We are the Catholic parish located about 1 mile from Quantico National and are called upon quite often. This week alone I served at four gravesides, accompanying families whose loved one served their country and are now laid to rest – perhaps the service member or the spouse who waited for their return. It is always an honor to serve these families.

This week was as varied as they come: an active duty service member stationed overseas now come home to rest, a veteran who passed away too soon after retirement, a wife joining her husband gone these 20 years, and a retiree and family man – also a graduate of the US Naval Academy. He graduated 13 years after me; a reminder we only have the time we are given.

One burial consisted of the surviving family members. There were only three. Another was the largest caravan I’ve ever seen at Quantico. Family fiends from the West Coast, Michigan, and perhaps every State on the east coast. Friends that they themselves were joined by the years of honorable service to the Marine Corp and country. Semper Fi.

Whether the gathering was large or small, those gathered shared tears, stories, and the finality of the words, “On behalf of the President of the United States, the United States Marine Corp, and a grateful Nation…”, as a folded flag was turned over to the family. Always a moment that is frozen in time by those who remain.

Appropriately enough, today’s interment was marked by the tears of the angels as the rains mimicked the mourners, with tears coming intermittently and relentlessly. Yet in the midst of those tears there were stories of a favorite meal, the story of how they got their nickname, and stories that need to be remembered and passed on that the next generation will remember. Stories that need to be retold at the first Christmas the loved one is not present – and all the other times when those who remain notice their absence writ large. Stories that are joined to the greatest story: the life, death and resurrection of Christ.

May these families know the peace of Christ that wipes away all tears.