On 20 November 2018, Sergeant Millard Odom, United States Marine Corps was laid to rest in Miramar National Cemetery.
Part of what made this mission extraordinary is that it was exactly 75 years ago to the day that he was killed in action during World War II in the battle for Tarawa.
Supporting the funeral were members of the Patriot Guard Riders.
I had the distinct and solemn honor of presenting mementos to Sergeant Odom's surviving sister.
Also extraordinary was that Medal of Honor recipient John Baca presented the folded flag. Here is the citation accompanying the presentation of the Medal.
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in
action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Sp4c.
Baca, Company D, distinguished himself while serving on a recoilless
rifle team during a night ambush mission A platoon from his company was
sent to investigate the detonation of an automatic ambush device forward
of his unit's main position and soon came under intense enemy fire from
concealed positions along the trail. Hearing the heavy firing from the
platoon position and realizing that his recoilless rifle team could
assist the members of the besieged patrol, Sp4c. Baca led his team
through the hail of enemy fire to a firing position within the patrol's
defensive perimeter. As they prepared to engage the enemy, a
fragmentation grenade was thrown into the midst of the patrol. Fully
aware of the danger to his comrades, Sp4c. Baca unhesitatingly, and with
complete disregard for his own safety, covered the grenade with his
steel helmet and fell on it as the grenade exploded, thereby absorbing
the lethal fragments and concussion with his body. His gallant action
and total disregard for his personal well-being directly saved 8 men
from certain serious injury or death. The extraordinary courage and
selflessness displayed by Sp4c. Baca, at the risk of his life, are in
the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit
on him, his unit, and the U.S. Army.
Middle of the month. Middle of the week. Early afternoon on a typically sunny day in San Diego. Just another day, with another military funeral. This time at the Miramar National Cemetery, adjacent to Marine Corps Air Station Miramar.
The breeze was up, as usual, causing flags to flutter.
Soon the family arrived with their Marine Corps veteran, escorted by the Patriot Guard Riders (PGR). Awaiting them at the Commitment Shelter were the members of the Marine Corps Honor Detail, including a Marine bugler.
At the shelter, as the hearse pulled up, the PGR stood a flag line, coming to Attention and Presenting Arms as the casket was moved into position by the Marines. The pastor spoke eloquently. The family and friends of this departed Marine veteran nodded and offered some, "Amens." His daughter stood and offered her appreciation in a shaky voice, speaking of her "Daddy" and playing song "I Will Always Love You" in his honor.
Military Honors were presented, earned by this Marine by his honorable and faithful service to his nation. All stood while the rifle salute was fired. The veterans and active duty military saluted and and PGR raised their flags to the Present Arms while Taps was played. Eyes welled with tears and it mattered not that some had never met this Marine. One of the PGR leaders explained the symbolism of every element of the military honors, from the 13 folds of the flag, the three rifle volleys, and the playing taps. With the permission of the family, the PGR members offered one last Present Arms. As each member departed, he placed his hand on the casket, offering a final prayer or thought. For me, it was, "Semper Fidelis, brother."
If you had been there and looked around, one aspect should have been obvious. Race and ethnicity do not matter to those who came to help honor this Marine. The Marines resplendent in their Dress Blues were there in a duty status. The older, grayer bikers from the PGR were there as volunteers. An African American Marine Corps veteran was honored by "old white guys" and a Filipino-American on motorcycles, led by an Asian American.
All those there, regardless of race or ethnicity or age, were helping a nation recognize one of its warriors and his race mattered not.
Were that it was the same throughout our society.
