Having attended many funerals for Marines as I’m sure many of you have, I have been saddened not only by the passing of a comrade, but by the absence of the honor and respect due someone who has earned the title of Marine.

The ceremony and honors provided by the Honor Guard are wonderful and appropriate.  However, when cremation is selected, as is the case in half of all services today, the container rarely reflects the pride and honor that this Marine felt.  Most are a square box made of cardboard, wood, or in the best cases brass or marble.  This container is marked with an emblem or seal of the corresponding branch of service added to the front.  Until now, this is all that has been available.