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Volume 116, Issue 1
Reflections Upon a Coast Guard Funeral
By Gregg Bollinger, Th D., DSO-MS
On 16 AUG 2018, I was privileged to attend the funeral for past Fifth Northern Commodore and retired USCG
Commander, Lionel "Lee" Crossman held at Arlington National Cemetery. Also in attendance as mourners were
Past Commodores Robert Perrone, Richard Raudabaugh, and Kevin Murphy along with Commander Glenna
Tredinnick, USCG (ret.).
Upon entering the cemetery, we proceeded by vehicle to the "staging" area which is a building with gathering areas
for family and friends of the deceased to comfortably await the short vehicular trip to "Chaplains' Hill" where we
were met with what I can only describe as the sad but beautiful sight of the Coast Guard Honor Guard, re-
splendent in crisp, dress blue uniforms, replete with polished rifles capped by bayonets, gleaming in the sun and
full complement of flags unfurled in the gentle breeze. A truly moving sight played-out as the disciplined pall
bearers respectfully lifted Commander Crossman's casket onto the horse-drawn caisson with exacting precision.
After witnessing this segment of the ceremony, we proceeded to the cemetery section that was to be Commander
Crossman's final resting place. The graveside service was conducted by a Navy chaplain, attired in crisp summer
white dress uniform who spoke wonderful words of praise for Commander Crossman and comfort to his be-
reaved family. Particularly poignant was the unfolding of the national ensign that had covered the casket and the
taut holding of it by the pall bearers over the casket. It was as if they were providing a shade or shield from the
sun one final time for Commander Crossman before he was interred. I was reminded of Psalms 121:5-6: "The
LORD watches over you--the LORD is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the
moon by night," (NIV).
The relative quiet of the service was then punctuated by the playing of "Taps" and the firing of a "Twenty-one
Gun" salute by the Coast Guard riflemen. The service concluded with a benedictory prayer and dismissal of the
mourners but the honor guard remained in traditional fashion, standing guard over their fallen shipmate until his
comitall to the sacred soil of Arlington.
My condolences are extended to the Crossman family and to all those who mourn Commander Crossman's
"passing the bar." He was a fine officer and gentleman who will be missed.
Semper Paratus,
Gregg Bollinger, Th D., DSO-MS