First of all, sorry for the neglecting of the blog...life has been a little crazy. Secondly, I apologize for the heavy matter of this entry. I wanted to blog about this before I forgot what I experienced. On Thursday, May 27, Lieutenant John Finn passed away at the age of 100 years old. Lt. Finn was the oldest living Medal of Honor recipient and the last surviving recipient of the Medal of Honor for heroic actions on December 7, 1941 during the attack at Pearl Harbor. He was all of this and, he was my great uncle. His wife, Alice, was the sister of my bio-father's mother. In fact, my bio-dad was named after John Finn and had a close relationship (almost like a father as his father had passed when he was a baby) with him until his death in 1998. In fact, there are rumors that my bio-dad's ashes were scatted on John's ranch in the Campo area. (This is a whole other Jerry Springer episode...not for this post!) John Finn's daughter-in-law, Joan, is still a part of my life and is my only connection to my bio-dad's side of the family. Upon hearing of his passing, Mom and I decided that we would attend the services in support of Joan. Mom also had fond memories of John and his wife, Alice (known as Auntie Loss).
Wednesday was the visitation. It was a low key event...just an opportunity for people to see John and pay respects. Because of his many affiliations, there were visitors from the Medal of Honor Society, Pearl Harbor survivors and relatives, military personnel, friends and family. Two Navy sailors stood guard next to his casket for the evening. Below are some photos of taken that evening.
Wednesday was the visitation. It was a low key event...just an opportunity for people to see John and pay respects. Because of his many affiliations, there were visitors from the Medal of Honor Society, Pearl Harbor survivors and relatives, military personnel, friends and family. Two Navy sailors stood guard next to his casket for the evening. Below are some photos of taken that evening.
This is a flag of flowers made by one of his nieces who owns a floral shop.
John with his trademark (or so I've heard) rosy cheeks.
John and his wife Alice
More flower arrangements
We were warned, with the large number of admirers, that the funeral would be attended by anywhere from 300-1500 people. Mom and I met at 8:00, grabbed a quick breakfast and headed to the mortuary. We used the F word (family) and managed to grab good parking. For a while, we were even seated in the family section. We moved because I got so frustrated at having to explain to people I didn't know, how I was related to John. By the start of the service, the chapel was filled and was standing room only with overflow into the lobby. Uniforms representing Border Patrol, Marines, Army and Navy were mixed in with veterans, a retired member and current member of Congress, and friends paying their respects. The service was simple, yet poignant. It concluded with the Two Bell ceremony which commemorates the loss of a sailor. My favorite line said something about "our fellow soldier has gone on to serve his Supreme Commander". Such a moving sentiment!
The casket covered with the American flag at the service
Following the service, a large caravan (including us) headed east on the 8 freeway toward Golden Acorn Casino and the Campo Indian Reservation. At one overpass on the 8, a group of military stood and saluted as the hearse passed by. As a decorated and recognized man, a space was reserved for John at Arlington National Cemetery. Instead, John wished to be buried with his wife on the Indian Reservation close to his home. John and Alice had fostered several Indian youths over their life and at least one was present at the funeral. We chose to take the shuttle to the cemetery as opposed to fighting the traffic and parking. On our way, we passed John's ranch.
Following the service, a large caravan (including us) headed east on the 8 freeway toward Golden Acorn Casino and the Campo Indian Reservation. At one overpass on the 8, a group of military stood and saluted as the hearse passed by. As a decorated and recognized man, a space was reserved for John at Arlington National Cemetery. Instead, John wished to be buried with his wife on the Indian Reservation close to his home. John and Alice had fostered several Indian youths over their life and at least one was present at the funeral. We chose to take the shuttle to the cemetery as opposed to fighting the traffic and parking. On our way, we passed John's ranch.
The service at the cemetery was a mix of military and Indian rituals. We witnessed the missing man formation flyover, a 21-gun salute, the playing of Taps, saluting by the various military groups in the audience, folding of the American flag and the Medal of Honor flag, address by a retired Congressman, Indian chanting and the drum circle.
The Indian drum circle
Standing guard at the hearse
Carrying the Medal of Honor flag, leading the procession
The Chaplain in the procession
Carrying the casketThe whole event was so moving and really inspired my patriotism. I cried at the cemetery. I was sad for so many reasons...I feel deprived that my bio-dad lacked the parental skills and deprived me of a relationship with this part of his family. I was also sad and nervous at the potential to run into my bio-dad's two surviving brothers (I didn't). For not being directly connected to John, I really mourned that day. It was a difficult day, but I am glad that I was able to pay my respects and to see such an amazingly patriotic service. Rest in peace, John Finn and thank you for your service in life and to the United States! God Bless America!
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