National Cemetery

CALVERTON, N.Y. - The young private knelt in front of the somber woman and held out one of the most poignant expressions of honor for a fallen American warrior - the Stars and Stripes, folded with military precision into a neat triangle. "On behalf of the president of the United States, the governor of New York and a grateful nation, I present this flag as a token of appreciation for the honorable and faithful service rendered by your loved one," Pfc. Jobanka Nolasco said as she presented the flag to Mechelle Jackson during the service last week in an outdoor chapel at Calverton National Cemetery.

ARLINGTON, Va. -- For the second time this year, Martina C. Burger sat beside a casket at Arlington National Cemetery as a Marine placed in her lap a neatly folded American flag. Having buried her husband in May, Burger said goodbye yesterday to her only son, Marine Cpl. Dale A. Burger Jr. The 21-year-old Bel Air native, who was killed Nov. 14 during fighting in Iraq, was saluted by 21 rounds fired by seven Marine riflemen and the mournful strains of taps. Before about 100 mourners, Burger was laid to rest next to his father, Dale A. Burger Sr., a Marine Corps veteran of the Vietnam War who died in May of complications from a heart attack.

Retired Sgt. Maj. Lance Sweigart's dignified voice seemed to silence even the whistling cicadas as it carried through the acres of headstones and wreaths. As the 30-year Army veteran sang the national anthem at yesterday's Memorial Day observance at the Baltimore National Cemetery, some veterans raised their hands in salute. Others recited the words with their hands over their hearts. Even the children in the audience stood still. It was one of several annual rituals that seemed to take on renewed meaning in light of both the continued fighting in Iraq and this weekend's dedication of the National World War II Memorial in Washington.

On February 5, 2004, RICHARD P. JOHNSON, Retired Col. USMC, beloved husband of Margaret T. "Peg" Johnson, devoted father of Ellen Albertini and Christopher P. Johnson; loving grandfather of Kevin, Kate and Patrick. Family will receive friends on Sunday, 3 to 5 P.M., at HARRY H. WITZKE FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, INC., 4112 Old Columbia Pike, Ellicott City. Memorial Mass Monday, 9:30 AM at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church. Inurnment Arlington National Cemetery - at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Lung Association.

A cold wind whipped through Section 60. It stripped cherry blossoms from their branches, sending old buds and new to the muddy ground like spent confetti. It brought limp flags to life, masking the not-quite-silent background hum of funerals -- stifled sobs, cleared throats and hushed voices -- with the crisp and gently reassuring sound of fabric slapping itself. And it made Joe Rippetoe's pesky right shoulder so stiff that, when it was time to salute -- to face the general, accept the flag and hear the words, "On behalf of a grateful country ..."

On April 16, 2003, JOYCE K. CONVERSO, beloved wife of the late Pompeo Converso. Survived by three daughters, two sons, many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was interred with her late husband at National Cemetery on Frederick Road.

On April 10, 2003, NICHOLAS MILLER, JR.; beloved husband of the late Annebelle (nee Galusca); devoted father of Ginger B. Darling and her husband Thomas of Newark, DE; loving grandfather of Thomas and Steven Darling; dear friend of Normalee Kotula. Also surviving are other relatives and friends. Friends may call at the Duda-Ruck Funeral Home of Dundalk, Inc. 7922 Wise Avenue, on Tuesday, 3 to 5 and 7 to 9 P.M., where a VFW Memorial Service will be held at 7:15 P.M. Mr. Miller's family and friends are to assemble at the Fort Myer Chapel at Arlington National Cemetery at 12:30 P.M., on Thursday, May 15, 2003, where funeral services will be held at 1 P.M. Interment Arlington National Cemetery.

Tuesday is the 139th anniversary of President Abraham Lincoln's famous speech at the dedication of the national cemetery in Gettysburg, Pa., for the Union dead from the costly Civil War battle there in July 1863. The anniversary will be marked a living-history presentation and memorial services starting at 10 a.m. at the national cemetery. Lynne Cheney, wife of the vice president, will be the featured speaker. Tuesday's ceremonies will complete this weekend's activities in Gettysburg, where a Remembrance Day parade and other events have been traditional, almost since that first sad remembrance day on Nov. 19, 1863.