Thursday, October 16 was a beautiful day. The crispness of the season was present. I picture this day as much like the fall day my father entered this world more than seven decades ago. The sun was warm. As we topped the summit of Orchard Knob, once a hill commanded by armies, one could feel a sense of haunting expectation as if there was a battle to fight as we struggled to release this fallen soldier to his comrades in arms at the Chattanooga National Cemetery. Here lay men from battles past he never knew in this world but likely recognized on the other side of eternity.
We gathered about this casement containing the shell of a man we knew as a soldier, a father, a husband, and a friend—but his heart beat for the soldier. On this day he is flanked uniformly by his only grandson who also bears his name—James (Beau) Gilliland IV--and the dearest of friends of his eldest son—James Irvin Gilliland III. Master Sergeant Gilliland would be proud and pleased to see everything in order.
Words spoken were significant to all present. Precious musings from a long lost, but found, fellow soldier introduced all present to a man called “The Silver Fox.” And these words were dispatched with the perfect measure of grace and dignity. Importantly, the bread of life was broken to reveal the secret to eternal life--the same eternal life received by this fallen one. Many special friends from past and present were roundabout. This is a day Master Sergeant Gilliland would have liked.
Serving as a benedictory note were the volunteer voices of men singing “Onward Christian Soldiers.” Then without warning came the firings. Three rounds of seven were heard across that old hill and perhaps the dead were awoken briefly to receive this fallen one. With the wind gently blowing the final eerie soundings of the trumpeter were heard.
Old Glory was presented to his two sons with decency and order. A crowning achievement of dramatic perspective that recoils even today as I write these words on what would have been his 76th birthday--to honor the precious soldier that was Master Sergeant James Irvin Gilliland, Jr.
And then there was the deafening silence as this soldier of three wars was given away to the ground in the shadow of the flag he fought for and the freedom he loved.
In Memory of Master Sergeant Gilliland, US Army (Ret.)
James Irvin Gilliland III
jim@moriahgroup.com