The other morning after a quick shower and shave, I had an equally quick breakfast of toast and coffee. I opened the garage and began to load equipment into my truck: American flag, unit guidon, and flag stands. For the Fallen Soldier Memorial, I got the WWII combat boots, rifle, bayonet, a steel helmet, and a dog tag. For the three rifle volleys, I got the Rifles, rifle stacking devices, and blanks. Also, necessary is an extra folded American flag and the bugle. Not needed today are the folding tables and folding chairs used during practice. Now it's time to get me ready. I remember 45 years ago when I used to do the same thing. I had only been in the US Navy for a year and a half. I was a Seaman and assigned as a sideboy. As such, I had to have spit shined shoes and a spotless uniform set aside ready to be called to the quarterdeck with three others to join with the Bo 'son's Mate of the Watch to pipe a greeting to Senior Officers that came to visit or when they departed. Here am I, well into my 60's; preparing to pay honors to a veteran of the US military upon the occasion of their departure from this earth to their next assignment in the hereafter. Today is their Military Funeral.I get my dress blue Navy uniform, brush it off, and inspect it for completeness. I put on a clean white dress shirt and start tying that doggone neck tie that I said I would never wear again in retirement. I get out the shinny, special shoes wrapped in paper and set aside in their box and put them on. Even though no one can see it under my suit coat, I line up the trousers, shirt seam and belt buckle, because I know if it's straight or not. Finally, the jacket and hat complete the outfit and I check myself in the full length mirror. Even though I scold myself for being too wide in the beam, I'm satisfied that the uniform is correct. I know that several of my other volunteers have been doing the same uniform preparations for this day. We will meet at the cemetery to honor this veteran like we have the other one hundred that we have honored since we formed the group in January of 2004. CWO4 Carl Wade retired from the U. S. Navy after 32 years of active and reserve service in 1993. Warrant Officer Wade is the Officer in Charge of the 1 st Memorial Honors Detail, a part of the 1 st United States Volunteers. For more information you may call Carl at 805-647-8784, visit www.militaryhonors.blogspot.com or email him at militaryhonors@pacbell.net .