Retired after 30 years with the federal government. I am passionate about our military and Veterans, especially Marines. Interested in languages, puzzles and genealogy. The research is often frustrating but always fascinating!

Regarding military ranks: Find a Grave is a civilian company and is not bound by military protocols. Nor is it bound by the US Code and Section which I've seen quoted in member profiles. Find a Grave memorials in National cemeteries remain outside the governance of such restrictions. It's the manager's decision. I see it as respecting the person's service.

A poem that came my way when my husband passed:

Epitaph

by Merrit Malloy

When I die

Give what's left of me away

To children

And old men that wait to die.

And if you need to cry,

Cry for your brother

Walking the street beside you.

And when you need me,

Put your arms

Around anyone

And give them

What you need to give to me.

I want to leave you something,

Something better

Than words

Or sounds.

Look for me

In the people I've known

Or loved,

And if you cannot give me away,

At least let me live on in your eyes

And not your mind.

You can love me most

By letting

Hands touch hands,

By letting bodies touch bodies,

And by letting go

Of children

That need to be free.

Love doesn't die,

People do.

So, when all that's left of me

Is love,

Give me away.