As part of Memorial Day Weekend, today was filled with various activities geared to remembering those heroes who gave their lives for our freedom. There were parades and ceremonies scattered about, and even more are scheduled through Monday.
So, it certainly seemed appropriate that today was the day that the family had chosen for the reinterment of SSGT Carl M. Shaffer in Pottstown, PA. And, Marty and I were honored to have been able to attend.
SSGT Shaffer was a member of the 38th Bomb Sq, 30th Bomb Group, stationed on Betio Island in Tarawa Atoll. His bomber group was assigned to support the Marines who had seized the island during the battle in November 1943. On Jan 21, 1944, Shaffer's plane departed from the airfield in Tarawa to participate in a bombing mission. But the crew would never achieve their objective, as the plane crashed into the lagoon shortly after take off. None of the crew survived.
Their remains were buried in Cemetery #33 on the island of Betio, two being identified by the AGRS in 1946. But Shaffer was not one of them. He continued to lay undiscovered until 2017 when History Fight discovered a series of burials in Cemetery # 33 that had been missed by the AGRS.
And today's ceremony was designed to honor this man who perished 75 years ago.
There were many people who came out today to participate in welcoming him home. And while people were meeting and greeting, this lone sentry stood guard outside the door of the hearse which held the remains of his fallen comrade.
This same young man had been responsible for driving to the airport for the Dignified Transport of Shaffer just yesterday.
The Honor Guard stood in wait for the ceremony to begin.
And this group of veterans, driving in on their motorcycles, was also present to participate.
Finally, the moment arrived when the Honor Guard approached the hearse to remove the casket.
and they began the walk through those military personnel who had come specifically to honor Shaffer.
finally resting him in front of the family in attendance.
When the flag was lifted, one could note a shiny new dogtag attached to the handle.
Words of appreciate of Shaffer's service were delivered to those in attendance.
A poem written by his wife, was read:
Looking from the open window I cast my eyes upwards
Towards the heavenly blue sky I seem to see the rays of the beautiful Oriental sunset on the golden wings of the pilot's plane
As it soars through the sky so quietly like a bird on its wings
So sure of its flight, but low it has gone beyond the blue horizon.
He has crossed the far and landed on the white coral reef f Tarawa, where he will remain and live long in our memory.
In the loving arms of our Savior who was our Hero.
Her words confirmed the belief that had been expressed by the minister just a few minutes earlier: SSGT Carl M. Shaffer started his date in eternity 75 years ago; today involved the technicality of finally laying his body to rest on American soil.
After the brief words were spoken the ceremony continued, first with a gun salute
then, the playing of taps by a bugler,
followed by the traditional folding of the flag.
The flag was then presented to the niece of SSgt Shaffer.
And the casket was lowered into the ground to await the seal bearing his name.
Today, yet another family can rest easy, knowing that their beloved uncle has returned home.
So while you are celebrating Memorial Day weekend while enjoying those special family festivities that generally welcome summer, please remember to stop and remember the reason for celebrating Memorial Day. It was the heroic actions of men such as these that helped to secure the freedom that this country holds so dear.
Embrace that thought. And be grateful to those who suffered the ultimate sacrifice for all of us.
May you have a special Memorial Day Weekend.
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