Just came back from a ceremony for my late father-in-law. Per his
wishes he was buried in a National Cemetery in Bourne, MA (on Cape Cod).

I was blown away, not only by the enormous size of the place but also of
the pristine condition of the grounds. The cemetery itself is on 800
acres and is reserved for military veterans and their spouses.

I never knew much about national cemeteries or the eligibility
requirements to be buried in one. Turns out that with a few exceptions,
all vets who served a certain minimum amount of time (and their spouses)
are eligible.

A Navy Honor Guard was there who folded and presented his flag to my
wife (on behalf of her mother who could not attend). Taps were played.
It was a very simple yet dignified and touching ceremony.

We are in the middle of a nor'easter up here with heavy rain and wind.
The ceremonies are conducted under an open sided shelter however the
wind was whipping the rain everywhere.

As we arrived, Mrs.E. (being the religious one of our family) started
praying for a let-up in the rain during her father's ceremony. Sure
enough, as the family began to assemble in the shelter, the rain
suddenly stopped, the skies brightened slightly and the wind calmed down
a bit. As we left, the wind and rain returned heavy as before.

Starting to think she has "connections".