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View Full Version : Enlisted Marine first to receive full honors funeral under new policy



usmc5
08-16-2009, 01:33 AM
2/5/2008 By
Byline
Cpl. Jacob H. Harrer ,
Unit
Marine Barracks 8th & I

Dateline
ARLINGTON, Va. —
Page Content

The first enlisted Marine to be given a full honors military funeral under new Marine Corps policy was laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery, Feb. 5.

Lance Cpl. Julian T. Brennan was honored by a funeral detail from Marine Barracks Washington. Dozens of family and friends attended the historic event.

The Barracks provided an escort platoon of ceremonial marchers, a color guard, a ceremonial bugler, three drummers from the U.S. Marine Band, and a detail of U.S. Marine Corps Body Bearers. The Marines marched with precision even as temperatures dipped well below freezing.

Sgt. Maj. Sylvester Daniels, Marine Barracks Washington Sergeant Major, personally presented flags to Brennan’s family as a tribute to the enlisted Marine.

On Jan. 5, Donald Winter, Secretary of the Navy, declared all Marines and Sailors killed in action, regardless of rank, are entitled to a full honors funeral by their respective services.

The policy, which was long sought by the Marine Corps, was finally realized after Pete Geren, Secretary of the Army, set precedence January 2nd, said Gunnery Sgt. William Dixon, U.S. Marine Corps Funeral Director, Marine Barracks Washington.

“What this shows is that whether enlisted or officer, you’re a Marine,” Dixon added.

The funeral carried special significance to Dixon, who has presided over hundreds of funerals while at the Barracks.

“He is like my little brother,” Dixon said. “I want the best for him, like anyone would want for his family.”

Brennan was killed in action Jan. 24 as a result of injuries sustained while conducting combat operations in Farah Province, Afghanistan with 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division. Brennan is survived by his wife, Bettina L. Beard, father, Bill, and mother, Thya Merz.

Ripcord
08-16-2009, 02:29 AM
why is this not "standard"

as i am not fully aware of burial services for service men and women in the US, I would have assumed full honors would be the standard practice to honor them.

nastyleg
08-18-2009, 03:05 AM
For the longest time an officer would get full honours with the horse the cannons and the volley....you know the 9 yards. The enlisted soldier would get the volley and taps unless iit was a medal of honor recipient. The Army now Marines wised up and are now giving it to all members. It was a fucked up policy but it has been corrected. RIP

bobdina
08-18-2009, 10:03 AM
For the longest time an officer would get full honours with the horse the cannons and the volley....you know the 9 yards. The enlisted soldier would get the volley and taps unless iit was a medal of honor recipient. The Army now Marines wised up and are now giving it to all members. It was a fucked up policy but it has been corrected. RIP

Amen to that.

Cruelbreed
08-18-2009, 12:03 PM
R.I.P, positive change in policy.