Subject: John Oliver's Memorial Service
Since we were fortunate enough to be able to attend John's Memorial Service, we wanted to share the experience with you.
Over 500 people were there. The right front quarter of the Chapel was reserved for John's family and the left front quarter was reserved for Boy Scouts and Leaders.
The first music was appropriately "Hymn to the Fallen". Beautiful flowers filled the altar -- many with white doves of peace -- and there was one with a picture of John's ball team with a ribbon "Thank you Coach." Since many of the people there had attended three funerals during the previous week, it was obvious how well respected John was in his community that so many attended his services on a Monday morning.
The entire congregation joined in to sing "The Marine Corps Hymn". It was very emotional, but I think John would have been pleased. In unison we all read the 23rd Psalm -- The Lord is My Shepherd.
There were three separate eulogies -- his best friend and "brother" Richard Hedgepeth, Bess Kannon, and long-time BVA friend Don Inns. Focusing on different aspects of John's life, all three shared the same theme of John's high sense of duty. Don began by mentioning that John would want the emphasis to be on the loss of the three scouts, rather than on him. Don discussed the impact of the Beirut bombing on John's life and John's desire to help other survivors and family members of his fallen brothers. It was a painful and difficult task for John, but one he undertook with dedication and determination. As family members, we always appreciated John's candor and diligence in keeping us informed under very difficult circumstances.
Two other musical renditions were "Angel" by Sarah McLachlan and "Fall of the Peacemakers" by Molly Hatchet. (For anyone not familiar with these songs, you can get the lyrics on the internet.)
The services ended with the Bestowal of Military Honors with John's wife Natalie ceremoniously being presented with the folded flag by the USMC Honor Guard. Natalie and John's children were the epitome of grace under pressure -- a wonderful family that doesn't deserve this pain.
I'll try to close this with a beautiful vision described by Bess Kannon. John was on a recent Boy Scout trip and he was hiking with his full backpack and one of the younger scouts couldn't carry his pack any longer. John took the scout's pack, along with his own, and continued to walk up the hill. That is a vision that we'll keep of John -- hiking to a better place -- supporting others.
Our first duty is to remember, and John will never be forgotten. Go in peace, John. Semper Fi....
Mary Ellen & John Jackowski
Proud Parents of Cpl James Jackowski
KIA Beirut 10/23/83 |