Col. Gary Canada is buried with Honors

by SgtMaj Preston Ware 

posted 4/27/04 On April 26th Col Canada was buried at Oakwood Cemetery in Fort Worth with full military honors. The somber procession was led by a bagpiper, then drums beating a slow march, a color Guard, followed by Garys' beloved 19th Texas who marched with muskets at the "reverse arms" position. The flag of the 19th was furled by a black ribbon called a "weeper", each left arm had a black ribbon as well. Behind them, marched staff members of the TMVI followed by the pallbearers with the casket. Upon reaching the grave site the 19th filed in on the left and fronted toward the coffin. During the short service they were commanded to the "rest on arms" position. (barrel on the left brogan toe, hands clasped over the butt of the musket with bowed head resting on hands). A Southern song (the Wearnin' of the Grey) was sang by former members of the 19th and Col Canadas SCV group.
In the distance, TAPS sounded out clear and mournful in the April afternoon. Then... attention company...LOAD! Ready! Aimmm! FIRE!... Three times crisp, sharp volleys rang out in perfect unison from the seven rifles. Mourners with black veils gave each one of the military a perfect yellow rose. Slowly and somberly the military filed by and placed the roses on the wooden coffin covered by a "stainless banner". Then Captains Ricky Hunt and Barney Hillburn folded the coffin flag and presented it to Mrs Sherry Canada.
Upon Captain Hunt and former Captain Hillburn retaking their positions...the piper began to play "Dixie". He slowly approached the grave, lowered to a kneeling position and then rose and marched away. The ceremony ended with the notes of "Dixie" getting fainter and fainter in the distance.

Col Canada would have been proud...and I think he is. All involved did a wonderful job. Lt Col Hunt did a great job of putting the ceremony all together with help from his friends and family. Thanks, Tom Ezell for the details on military ceremony. Thanks to all who took the time and effort to send an old friend off the way he deserved!