In two days, Mitch Daniels would deliver the Republican Response the the President's State of the Union speech, but today he was one of two governors who gave their whole attention to Crispy.

I was standing on the edge of the area where the outdoor ceremony would take place.

When Crispy appeared, everyone raised a salute.

I do not usually take many pictures during this part of the memorial since I don't want to feature the greiving family.

I thought about running across the field to the side of the church where flags were available and taking a place at the end of the flagline.

After all, isn't that where I belonged?  Isn't that why I was here?

Crispy was moved from the sanctuary to an area outside for the military honors which include rifle volleys.  In the aftermath of the snowstorm, it had been still outside.  Everyone saluted as the honor guard carried the casket up a slight hill.

Honk, honk, honk, honk, honk!

God provided the flyover.

And He put me in position to record it.

So be it known:  The only geese heard that day marked the opening of the final ritual.

And then we stood.

And then we left.

Goodbye, Crispy.

Good-bye, Specialist.

There, but for the Grace of God...

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