"Tissue Alert"

On December 16, 2008, Lt. Kenneth H. Rose, USMC Navigator in World War II went to guard Heaven's gates after a lengthy illness. Kenny, as he was known to all of us in our church, was a large man both in life and spirit. He served in both the U.S. Army and the Marines and was a POW both in Germany and Japan. He was most proud of being a Marine. When our son joined the Corps six years ago, Kenny always referred to him as "my Marine".

Every time our son has been home he has made time to visit with Kenny even when we were not sure Kenny would know him. On those occasions he put on his Dress Blues knowing that Kenny would recognize the uniform if not the Marine.

At his Memorial Service this past Saturday, our son was given the distinct honor of presenting the American flag to Kenny's widow, Patti. There was so much Marine tradition in the Memorial that I cannot tell it all here. There is a local Ex- POW club here and they also had a small ceremony for Patti. Rolling Thunder was also present for their presentation.

The family held up well throughout the service but when Taps was played and Rob presented the flag, they began to shed their tears. The other two presentations were done when Kenny's urn was placed in his niche in the Columbarium after the service and that is when the tears really flowed.

Our son flew home from Norfolk, VA, just for the Memorial service at the request of Kenny's widow because, as she said, "Rob was always Kenny's Marine. You just had the privilege of raising him." Actually, my husband is a no longer active Marine Sgt. himself. I thank God every day for all of the Marines and other servicemen and women serving our Country, past, present and future. Thank you, one and all, for your service to our Country.

Mom and Wife of Marines

Sharon