Last week, we (almost the whole family) flew into Reagan Airport in Washington, D.C. My father was honored at a memorial service at Arlington Cemetery on November 6th. How ironic and coincidental the date Arlington reserved for us to be right before Veteran’s Day. The ceremony was beautiful and quite emotional to say the least.
Almost a year ago, my son-in-law, Paul, began digging deeper and deeper into facts leading up to my father’s death. My Father was an Air Force pilot whose plane went down 67 years ago at Christmas time, crashing into Mount Iliamna in Alaska.
Upon our arrival at our hotel in Arlington, we were met by Antoinette, the representative from the cemetery, also Air Force. Antoinette went over everything we could expect and what we would do, who will meet us, where we’ll stand, everything we would need to do. Antoinette, You’re a Prize!
In the meantime, more family showed up at the hotel. First things first, lunch at a sports bar next door to our hotel, then off to see some sights. We took Ubers everywhere we went, no need to rent a car in this city. We could depend on an uber being at our beck and call in minutes, and they certainly know their way around town. Don’t get me wrong, we also did our fair share of walking. First stop Washington Monument, then the Lincoln Monument. Abe is bigger than life. We walked to the Korean Monument. Then, The World War II Memorial. We could see the Capital from there. Then we took a walk to the White House, as close as we could get that is. The Smithsonian was closed due to the Government Shutdown. We went to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and witnessed the changing of the guard. Oh, the history … and oh, my aching feet!
Camber made reservations for all of us for dinner on Wednesday night. The Quarterdeck. Most of us ordered crabs, big ol’ blue crabs just like ours! What a feast! While we were there, our daughter, Kelly, and granddaughter, Addyson, joined us. These are the Tampa folks, Michael & the boys were there in spirit, too much school to miss for those guys.
By the time we got back to the hotel, most of us were exhausted and were ready to call it a day. Not everyone though, eight of the younger crowd ventured out to several of the monuments for the night-time lighted tours. Lord knows when they returned, but we had orders to meet up again at 9:15 the next morning, reservations at the Silver Diner for breakfast. All 14 of us!
We were picked up by the Arlington bus back at the hotel at 11:50 am on Thursday to be delivered to the cemetery. When we arrived, we were greeted by Chaplain Pugh and Major General Michele Kilgore, Air Force Pilot. We were taken to the family room, strictly designated for the family of the deceased, George Irvin Poole, Jr., Lt. Colonel, U.S. Air Force. After more introductions, we were escorted to the gravesite designated for G.I., my Dad.
The family represented their grandfather, Father-in-law, or great grandfather with respect and awe. The 21-gun salute, taps, folding of the flag presented to me, Dad’s only surviving next of kin, was overwhelming.
I wish to express my thanks and gratitude to my entire family for their support, I hope you all know how much I love you. Leigh, thank you for taking such good care of these two ol’ folks.
To everyone at Arlington Cemetery, thank you for the care and reverence given to all of us!
In life, he honored the flag. In death, the flag honors him.
My Cup Runneth Over
Chyna
November 11, 2025 at 8:13 amSo glad we were able to all be together!
Peggy Johnson
November 11, 2025 at 9:11 amWhat a beautiful story of family and patriotism to share on Veterans day.