I've decided that I will keep track of all the funerals that I go to during my time on the detail.
Today, I had a service in Watsonville. It was another cemetery service, and like my first, was just a two person detail. I again arrived early, in order to see the layout of the area. I met with a very nice man and woman who were there as directors. They showed us to the plot and described the particular details. There was a Mass being held at the time in the church right next to the cemetery. The man told me that after the Mass, everyone would follow the carriage down to the plot and he gave me an idea of where everyone would be. He also gave me a description of the next of kin, in this case the wife of the deceased. This was a big relief. In the first funeral, I had no idea who the next of kin was until I took the flag to the front row of people and saw who was holding out their hands. After my questions were answered the man and woman finished setting up the flowers and returned to the church.
I took a few minutes to survey the land and decide where to place the bugler. Directly behind the plot there was a small rise in the level of the land and I decided to put the bugler on the high ground off to the side. One of the factors for placing the bugler is that they should be within sight of the people, but off to the side, so as to not take any attention away from the rest of the service. There really wasn't anywhere else, and I thought the high ground offered a sense of the service being watched over by a Soldier. My bugler today was a Corporal and was quite short, so we had to do a quick practice to make sure she'd be able to see me throughout the ceremony and take cues off my actions. We also had to make sure she was visible above the hedge row on the high ground. After a few minutes, we found a spot where she could see everything and remain visible from the chairs.
The priest read from the Bible and then spoke for a little bit. After, he gave me a nod and I moved forward to the casket. I don't know why, but Taps seemed to hit me a little harder today. I then took the flag over to the Widow. I managed to get my line in a loud and clear voice without stumbling at all. I presented to flag and then moved off. My bugler took her cue and met me on the road. We then marched off as the ceremony wound down.
I can't say that I'm happy to have this detail. But after having performed two funerals, I am even more proud to have the honor of participating.