Category: Family

My grandfather, Albert Owens, died back in December at the age of 86. We had the memorial service on Friday at Cheltenham Veterans Cemetery in Cheltenham, Md.

This was my first time witnessing a military salute at a funeral and I hadn’t any idea what to expect. After some words and prayers, Taps played, and the Marines folded the flag, presented it to my uncle and waited until he left so they could salute the flag on the way out.

Though I’m sure this is routine, these men didn’t know my grandfather, but they knew him to be an honored Marine, and they showed him a level of respect with these gestures that I can only admire.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=74lmZx9UBsU

My grandfather, Albert Owens, died on Dec. 3, 2012, a month before his 87th birthday, at Calvert Memorial Hospital.

As a Marine, he served in the Pacific during World War II. He survived a snake bite to the eye while in Okinawa. He had six kids, and spent much of his life working in construction. The eldest of six children, he outlived two siblings, and his son, Michael Owens. He was married twice, and a ‘ladies’ man’ up until the day he died. He enjoyed singing, usually Hank Williams, and cracking jokes that you’d expect out of an ole’ Tennessee boy. He will be missed.

Albert Owens, January 3, 1926 – December 3, 2012

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=74lmZx9UBsU