MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, Calif. -- Marine Corps Air Station Miramar’s funeral detail honored a deceased veteran at Miramar National Cemetery located in San Diego, California, Feb. 16.
Funeral detail honors a military tradition for deceased service members and veterans. The tradition includes the playing of “Taps,” the folding and presentation of an American flag to the deceased’s relatives, and a 21-gun salute.
When funeral detail is needed, Headquarters Marine Corps sends the request to the funeral detail staff noncommissioned officer in charge. That staff NCO then relays the information to their Marines, according to Staff Sgt. Christian Caba, a funeral detail Marine, and a native of Newark, New Jersey.
“Once I have this information, the [staff] NCO of the funeral detail will coordinate personnel, rifles and transportation,” said Caba.
Marines selected for funeral detail must possess exceptional bearing, impeccable discipline and an outstanding military appearance, according to Caba.
Once selected, the Marines in the funeral detail practice each week in preparation for upcoming funerals.
They also rehearse an hour prior to the funeral to ensure the deceased receives a proper sendoff.
“Funeral detail is important,” said Lance Cpl. Darien Priest, a funeral detail Marine and a native of Jackson, Mississippi. “You are doing an honorable service [to the deceased] and representing the Marine Corps.”
The Marines practice and do everything in their power to leave a lasting impression of the Marine Corps on the family of the deceased, honoring the fallen and recognizing their dedication to the Marine Corps.
“It's our way to pay respect to a fallen Marine,” said Caba. “I've heard the phrase ‘once a Marine, always a Marine,’ and I now truly understand what that means.”