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View a eulogy for Jon Conrad Vanden Bosch, USMA '55, who passed away on January 12, 2016.

Jon Conrad Vanden Bosch

West Point, 1955

Be Thou At Peace

Posted by West Point 1955 on September 23, 2016:




Jon Conrad Vanden Bosch

Arlington National Cemetery Services

I am pleased to report that there were seven classmates and two wives present, as follows: Bill Roth, USAF, I2, who delivered the Class Tribute on behalf of '55, five Engineer classmates a Ted Gay, K-2; Zach Hagedorn, B-1, w/wife, Carolyn; Rich Miller, K-1; John Sloan, C-1, w/wife, Ruth; Dave Wheeler, H-1; and Carl McNair, E-1, Infantry/Aviation. Demographically, five were from Virginia, two from Maryland, one from Kansas and one from Florida a a nice representation across the class, the Corps and the US. Ofelia and the family asked that I gather all our classmates together just before the service began and have their photographer get a picture of them. The first stained glass window on the right side of the Chapel at the front is dedicated to West Point and we chose to have the picture done there.

The Services were conducted by Reverend Canon Mark Scheneman, Pastor of St. John's Episcopal Church in Carlisle, PA, friend and Pastor of Jon and Ofelia from their Army War College Days. As noted in the program, the WP Alumni Glee Club did their specialty Introit Hymn aMansions of the Lorda which was originally written for the closing music in the 2002 movie, aWe Were Soldiers Once and Younga, AND sung by the West Point Glee Club for the sound track of that movie. It was also featured as the recessional hymn at President Reagan's funeral in 2004. Bill Roth delivered some warm and personal remarks on behalf of Company I-2 and the Class. Since Protestant services are limited to 30 minutes in the Old Post Chapel to accommodate another funeral which will follow in about an hour and the horses, caisson, band and troops must be rested and turned around for the next service, Eulogies are limited to three minutes, or so, as a guide, so as to leave time for the Minister to render the Homily immediately after the Eulogy/Tribute.

After the Closing Prayers of the Congregation, all sang the Commendation Hymn, aAmazing Gracea followed by the Commendation and Blessing, at which time the Honor Guard soldiers entered and stood at attention to retrieve and remove the beautiful mahogany case with the Army Seal which contained Jon's ashes and the accompanying tri-corner folded flag. The Alumni Glee Club then sang the Alma Mater as the Recessional Hymn and then saluted, as the Minister led the Honor Guard Pair carried Jon's flag and his cremains out of the Chapel followed by the family and other mourners. As the Band played softly, the troops saluted and the Container with the ashes was placed in a hidden drawer built into the rear of a special ceremonial casket configured to carry the container and the cremains and covered with the US Flag. Once all of the mourners and family reached their cars and joined the procession, the Arlington Funeral Director's car led the processional through the Arlington Cemetery Gate. The family had reserved a limo and large bus for the family and others followed in cars. As some mourners do, a few chose to walk, however some of those who chose to walk were not aware of the total distance. Section 1 of Arlington where the earliest graves were placed is just inside the Cemetery gate almost 150 years ago, and Jon's grave is in one of the very newest sections of the Cemetery. Only recently opened, Section 76, is just a bit over 1.5 miles through the Cemetery. Luckily, it is almost all downhill. Needless to some of the early walkers slowed down a bit and accepted rides as the procession moved along. Section 76 is within 1,000 feet of the Eastern wall of the Cemetery and has a perfect view of the Washington Monument and the skyline of Rosslyn. It is also very near the main gate to Arlington, the Visitors Parking Garage, Visitors Center and the DC Metro station, for those who may choose to visit there one day. When the caisson bearing the flag covered casket reached Section 76, the burial site was within a few yards of the road and two of the Honor Guard Members removed the Cremains and the Tri-cornered flag from the casket and marched proudly to the ceremonial awning and placed the cremains on a small table in front of the family's seating area, as the Band played a most fitting tribute to the deceased, aArmy Blue.a The Honor Guard members then stood alongside the table.

As the ceremony proceeded under the awning in Section 76, the family was seated and the graveside committal commenced with the Minister's opening words and blessings. The Third Infantry, Old Guard casket bearers unfolded the tri-corner folded flag and stretched it tightly above the Cremains in the Mahogany Case. All were asked to rise for military honors to be rendered, first with the three volleys fired by the seven soldier firing party, followed by TAPS, as all saluted. The casket bearers then refolded the flag in tri-corner fashion, after which the Commander of the Honor Guard Company received the flag from the senior NCO on the casket bearer team and faced Ofelia to present the flag. Following that, the Army Arlington Lady, one of whom attends every Army funeral , was escorted by a member of the Honor Guard to a position in front of Ofelia to express the condolences of the Chief of Staff of the Army to the widow and family and the nation's gratitude for Jon's service followed by a personal note from General Mark Milley, currently CSA. As the Arlington lady was escorted away, the Arlington Funeral Director came forward and pointed out the exact gravesite just forward and left of the awning area where a newly prepared grave awaited. He pointed out the precise spot where Jon's cremains would be placed so that the mourners could pause there if they desired. He thanked all for attending and indicated this concluded the formal part of the service and attendees were welcome to visit for a while or return to their cars. Ofelia and the family had ordered long-stem yellow roses which were given to each of the family members. The Yellow Rose of Texas was a living symbol for the home state Jon had served as a District Engineer in Galveston, then Director, Public Works for the City of Houston for seven years, and finally their retirement home in San Antonio, where he passed away on January 16, 2016.

As the celebration of life and committal to the grave were concluded, attendees lingered at the gravesite whereupon Bill Roth had arrived fully prepared to offer a final toast to his company-mate and our classmate. He brought forth a small paper package wherein was a small bottle of exquisite Brandy and some small cups to render that final farewell. Benny Haven would have been proud and we were confident that Jon was smiling down upon us as he marched through the aPearly Gatesa.

All then adjourned to the Fort Myer Officers' Club where the family and guests enjoyed a lovely reception with stories of Jon and West Point abounding. The family had brought many picture of Jon and placed them about the room for all to see and admire. In sum, the Funeral Services brought closure and a final opportunity for comradeship for all who knew and admired Jon Conrad Vanden Bosch.

Faithfully submitted,

CARL
Carl H. McNair, Jr.


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The West Point Glee Club was absolutely wonderful and they made Jon's service even more poignant than I thought possible. My family, Jon's family and guests were deeply affected at the glory and beauty of Jon's final farewell. I cannot begin to express my admiration for all that the Arlington National Cemetery staff does - from the schedulers to those who lead the bereaved step by step - assuring only the best that can possibly be offered to our dearly departed and to those who mourn them. My heartfelt thanks to those from West Point who attended and to all who sent condolences.

With appreciation and gratitude,

Ofelia Vanden Bosch




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