Coach Stan Slaby Internment
at
Arlington National Cemetery
"It was a beautiful, clear day. The cloudless blue sky was the perfect accompaniment for the slight crispness of the air.
Slowly, a small group of about 40 makes their way from cars, past a formation of Navy Sailors in full dress uniforms; an Honor Guard awaiting orders. The solemn group of mostly men makes it's way to the ornate cement shelter where another squad of sailors stands at stiff attention as they hold the folded American Flag over the urn containing the cremains of a lesser known American Hero.
Slowly, a small group of about 40 makes their way from cars, past a formation of Navy Sailors in full dress uniforms; an Honor Guard awaiting orders. The solemn group of mostly men makes it's way to the ornate cement shelter where another squad of sailors stands at stiff attention as they hold the folded American Flag over the urn containing the cremains of a lesser known American Hero.
The group gathers and the ceremony of interment begins. The Navy Chaplain intones Prayers and delivers a brief biography of the more than 90 years of the deceased life. He notes with some pride, the testament to the departed's full life; as evidenced by the gathering of family and so many students of the man we honored on this day.
As the bugler blows "Taps" and the Honor Guard renders the traditional 21 gun salute, We, the gathered mourners silently pray. We remember.
The sound of a flag draped, casket laden caisson can be heard on the small lane, just yards away from this gathering. It reminds us that ours is not the only American Hero who is laid to rest this day.
The sound of a flag draped, casket laden caisson can be heard on the small lane, just yards away from this gathering. It reminds us that ours is not the only American Hero who is laid to rest this day.
Our quiet group makes it's way to the final resting place. An outdoor structure with small marble squares which cover cubby holes for the cremains of the departed. The stones are engraved with names and military titles. Dates of birth and death are a stark reminder that it is not only those who were able to live a full life who are memorialized in this hallowed place
As all the ceremony ends; we, the living visit. For me, it had been 4 decades since I had seen some of the faces here. It's strange how, with death, we can find the fellowship of rekindling old friendships.
This was Arlington National Cemetery. My friends and I were honored to know and ultimately say a final goodbye to an American Hero.
In the grand scheme of history, our teacher and coach will not be famous. He did indeed save a life on that "Day of Days" more than 70 years ago. But, his act is lost in the fog of history as such acts usually are. But, although not known by all, our friend and mentor will be remembered by we few who also remember a small New Jersey military school on the Tom's River.
Like many things at our school, "The Coach" helped mold us into the people we grew to become. For good or ill, we each took away some small part of the man whom we laid to rest, finally, yesterday.
It struck me as very fitting that my friends and I were able to visit Arlington just days before a National Election. That place, especially reminds all it's visitors what the meaning of America is, through it's rows of stones which stand as silent sentinels of the freedoms we do indeed enjoy in this place we call "America."
Rest well, Coach Slaby. Rest now, with all those who have served and sacrificed, old and young; for America."
Bob da Silva AFA '76N
This was Arlington National Cemetery. My friends and I were honored to know and ultimately say a final goodbye to an American Hero.
In the grand scheme of history, our teacher and coach will not be famous. He did indeed save a life on that "Day of Days" more than 70 years ago. But, his act is lost in the fog of history as such acts usually are. But, although not known by all, our friend and mentor will be remembered by we few who also remember a small New Jersey military school on the Tom's River.
Like many things at our school, "The Coach" helped mold us into the people we grew to become. For good or ill, we each took away some small part of the man whom we laid to rest, finally, yesterday.
It struck me as very fitting that my friends and I were able to visit Arlington just days before a National Election. That place, especially reminds all it's visitors what the meaning of America is, through it's rows of stones which stand as silent sentinels of the freedoms we do indeed enjoy in this place we call "America."
Rest well, Coach Slaby. Rest now, with all those who have served and sacrificed, old and young; for America."
Bob da Silva AFA '76N