So. I went to a funeral today.

[BBR]

I didn't really want to as I only met the guy maybe twice in my life, but he was the grandfather of a close friend of ours, Jason Boyett

Is it inappropriate to call a funeral "epic"? I hope not because this was probably the most fitting funeral I have ever attended. You see, John Boyett was a B-17 gunner who was shot down over Austria and then became a POW.

Here is an article about his capture that appeared in the local paper a few years ago:

http://amarillo.com/news/local-news/2010-11-10/girl-guides-pow

Hearing Jason, his sister Mica, his brother Brooks and cousins all share their thoughts and experiences about him and his life was inspiring to say the least. We all leave impacts on those we leave behind, but wow, he left an impact.

Sad he's gone, but glad I went and got to get a better glimpse of a guy that was truly part of the greatest generation.

[dieselgeek]

Sounds like a nice tribute. I never have a problem calling a Funeral a Celebration of someone's life. We could only WISH to leave a legacy like that behind us.

Condolences to the family, but High Fives for having known someone like that!

[Dan Barlow]

Nice story. I would have loved to hear how he got out.

[BBR]

He was a part of one of the German death marches near the end of the war in Europe. His group of POW's were liberated by Allied forces that intercepted them.

An interesting addendum to his story is the fact that in 1965-1966 he and his wife hosted a foreign exchange student from, of all places, Germany. Even stranger is the fact this student's father was in the German army during WWII and was an Allied POW at the same time John was a German POW. The student remains a family friend and they have visited him in Germany on several occasions. He is even noted as an 'adopted' son in John's obit. http://amarillo.com/obituaries/2012-...hn-e-boyett-jr

[DirtyWhiteBoy]

Last winter, I was part of the Honor Guard for a WW2 B-17 tail gunner.
The stories and photos were chilling. He was a 2 time member of the "Lucky Bastards Club" (he survived 2 tours as a bomber crew member).

It is both gratifying and sad to be able to honor these heroes......So few left.

Greatest generation indeed.

[Monk]

I've attended funerals with military honors and they are very impressing.
Kudos for attending.

I've made it known that I'd like the same at mine.

[Barry Donovan]

I've attended funerals with military honors and they are very impressing.
Kudos for attending.

I've made it known that I'd like the same at mine.

it is good to be able to accept that.

My spot is taken care of, and I noted it to be silent. The justice for me is not a parade. I do get that much from the half butt military group I was in.
that is modern military results more oft than not anyway.

Next to my ww2 grandpa is alright by me. both our own version of the same flag.

I have met a famous ww2 era, just doing what they are told, accepting a cold dead end before it happens. Takes a strong will.