"Het þa hyssa hwæne hors forlætan, feor afysan, and forð gangan, hicgan to handum and to hige godum. Þa þæt Offan mæg ærest onfunde, þæt se eorl nolde yrhðo geþolian he let him þa of handon leofne fleogan hafoc wið þæs holtes, and to þære hilde stop." (The Battle of Maldon, ll. 2-8)
"He bade every warrior then to leave his horse, drive them far away, and go forth, trusting to his hand-strength and to good courage. The kinsman of Offa could soon see that the earl did not wish to endure cowardice. From his hand he let fly his beloved hawk to the woods, and strode to battle." (The Battle of Maldon, ll. 2-8)
Centuries have passed since a warrior lost was laid aboard his ship, surrounded by treasure and finery, set to flame and put out to sea while those ashore prayed to Njord for a powerful wind to blow so flames and smoke rising into the heavens carried the warrior's soul to the Gods at once. Time and circumstance change tradition but never the essence of it.
No steed less than blessed by Thor's hammer would suffice. At 16.3 hands and 1,400 pounds, Ono would do the honors. Ono was called to order. His size no indication of his demeanor.
In preparation, the required equipment was placed for final inspection. Upon passing inspection each item was dutifully placed in its position upon the horse.
Bag pipes were tuned, the bugler readied his horn. A round was placed in each chamber to be summoned in salute. Names to be called in remembrance were delivered. The honor guard in position to place thirteen folds in our nations flag. As the marked hour drew nigh, horse and trainer were posted.
As the ceremony began, bagpipes played the Irish folk song, "Oh Danny Boy." When the last notes of the song faded, silence fell upon the group and one by one names of the fallen were called in remembrance:
ALEX JAMES HERNANDEZ, JAMES EDWARD KESSELHON, JOHN WILLIE BENNETT, ROBERT JOSEPH PRUDEN, RAYMOND CHARLES GARCIA, JAMES DANIEL MARTINEZ, SOLOMON KALUA JR, ALAN FRANCIS ANGELL, GEORGE THOMAS OLSEN, DANIEL P McLAUGHLIN, DAVID JAMES OHM, HAROLD EDWARD BASEHORE, TERRY ERNEST ALLEN, BRADLEY KEITH WATTS, EDWARD GERARD MATHERN, JAMES RICHARD DAVIDSON, JOSEPH JESS GAVIA, LARRY ALLEN MACKEY, RAYMON SANCHEZ HERNANDEZ, ARTHUR EDWARD SCOTT, BARRY HOWARD BERGER, RONALD BRYNIEL JONSSON, JOEL WAYNE FORRESTER, DAVID LEE MEYER, EDWARD MARTIN LENTZ, LARRY JOE WHITE, THOMAS EDWARD SNOWDEN, JOSE ENRIQUE TORRES, STEVEN KARL BROOKS, DANNY GERALD STUDDARD, HAROLD WILLIAM KROSKE, STEPHEN JOHN CHANEY, ROBERT PATRICK McCORMICK
The sound of their names reverberated against the hillside to the west and floated into the heavens escorted by the staccato report of a gun salute adding the individual digits of 1776. Bagpipes played Amazing Grace and taps was sounded. With the smell of cordite hanging in the air, the flag was folded in honor of their memory.
The first fold was made in honor of life. The second to symbolize our belief in eternal life. The third fold was made in honor and remembrance of the veterans departing our ranks who gave a portion of their lives for the defense of our country to attain peace throughout the world. The fourth fold represented our weaker nature, for as American citizens trusting in God, it is to Him we turn in times of peace as well as in time of war for His divine guidance. The fifth fold a tribute to our country, for in the words of Stephen Decatur, "Our Country, in dealing with other countries, may she always be right; but it is still our country, right or wrong." The sixth fold for where our hearts lie. It is with our heart that we pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States Of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all.
The seventh fold a tribute to our Armed Forces, for it is through the Armed Forces that we protect our country and our flag against all her enemies, whether they be found within or without the boundaries of our republic. The eighth fold is a tribute to the one who entered into the valley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of day, and to honor mother, for whom it flies on Mother's Day. The ninth fold a tribute to womanhood; for it has been through their faith, their love, loyalty and devotion that the character of the men and women who have made this country great has been molded. The tenth fold a tribute to the father, for he, too, has given his sons and daughters for the defense of our country since they were first born.
The eleventh fold, in the eyes of Hebrew citizens represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon, and glorifies in their eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and so it was made. The twelfth fold, in the eyes of a Christian citizen, represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in their eyes, God the Father, the Son, and Holy Spirit. When completely folded, the stars were uppermost reminding us of our nation's motto, "In God We Trust."
The flag was completely folded and tucked in, taking on the appearance of a cocked hat to forever remind us of the soldiers who served under General George Washington, and the sailors and marines who served under Captain John Paul Jones, who were followed by their comrades and shipmates in the Armed Forces of the United States, preserving for us the rights, privileges, and freedoms we enjoy today.
In culmination of the days events, the evening meal was prepared over an open pit and served in the yard at the back of the house. Toasts were made, stories were told, and friends were missed. A chair at the table was left vacant and drinking glass inverted. The day had been spent in honor of those who have passed before us and for the good of the order.