I want an African-American funeral-- I'm putting it in my will.

[trumad]

When I was in the 82nd Airborne, one of my side duties was to be in the Honor Guard for military funerals. And boy-- I attended a whole bunch. They were mostly in the back towns of the Carolinas--- I mean the boonies...

Quite a few were for African-American vets. Man those were some great funerals. I remember one funeral where me and 5 other of my comrades were standing at attention--3 on each side of the coffin--while the preacher spoke about the Dearly departed.

All of a sudden the Dearly departed's wife stood up, threw her hands in the air, let out a "Praise God" scream and then rushed the casket knocking me and another soldier on to the casket and almost into the hole it was going in to. She then fainted and was brought back to her seat to revive.

The emotion that African-Americans display at the funerals I attended was something to behold. Heartfelt, genuine emotion.

But what happened next was awesome. The folks would invite the Honor Guard back to their homes for a gathering and celebration of the person that we had just buried. Geaud Dang the food was great.

I watched in awe as they celebrated the mans life with food, drink and memories--- and it was obvious that they were all comforted in the fact that their loved one was in God's hands.

I hope when I die, my funerals are like that.

[On the Road]

1. I Plan to Have a Traditional New Orleans Jazz Band Prepaid for My Funeral

They can lead the casket into the cemetary playing "Just a Closer Walk with Thee." Then on the way out the gates, break into "The Saints," and lead everyone to a party.

[cmd]

3. I just wrote a similar post, then deleted it!

The only differences were, that it was the Ohio State band playing at the cemetary and that someone gave a speech telling how the Republican party has ruined America.

[robbedvoter]

6. If they'll still exist....:-(

[fasttense]

2. Amen. I've never been to an African American funeral but

I've been to many an African American military retirement ceremony and they know how to honor people. Family members and friends get up during the ceremony and speak about the retiree's life and how proud and successful he or she was. It brought tears to my eyes. Then we all went to a beautiful location to eat home-made food, dance and party. They were more enjoyable than any Admiral's retirement ceremony. The expressions of love and gratitude were truly overwhelming.

[Windy]

4. I've been to a lot of African American church services

They are true christians the way the Jesus intended, not based upon fundamentalist beliefs, but true heartfelt feelings of love, fairness, justice, helping the poor and downtrodden, etc.

These religious right wackos could certainly learn a lot from them...

[Sammy Pepys]

5. You're going to put it in your will...

...that you want genuine, heartfelt emotion at your funeral?

Just teasing.

My mom went has been to several and said they are very much life affirming.

I want a bagpiper at mine.

[trumad]

7. genuine, heartfelt emotion

Hell ya.. Plus... a great party at the end.. LOL