Bernard Francis Kistler

West Point, 1965

Be Thou At Peace

Posted by Paul M. Schosser on December 22, 2003:

My father is a first cousin. It is hard to remember Bernie in detail since I only met him a few times before he died two months short of my 13th birthday. But I do remember meeting him in a hall at West Point where there were sitting areas and paintings of officers, and feeling in awe of him as he sat resplendent in his uniform, and watching him and my parents quietly talking, as if in church. I also recall touring the campus, a remark about how nice not being harassed when with visitors, being disappointed that my brother and I couldn't see his room, seeing a parade ground, some cannons overlooking the Hudson, and, in particular, the museum. I also recollect that his time with us was very limited. Unfortunately, scenes from Bernie's buriel are more vivid. Seeing my Dad remove the colorful feather from his hat as being inappropriate for a funeral, following directly behind an empty US Army car to the cemetary (may be wrong but I believed it was intended for our family to ride in but we had declined), a bleak overcast sky, a cold mist that turned to drizzle, the chill sprinting down my spin when taps played, being very startled by the gun salutes, and then, back at the on-post hotel, seeing his wife collapse and everyone scrambling her way amid awful moans and crying (while we children were dragged away). The extended family has never fully recovered. Even today one cannot have a discussion on the war without risking a blow-up. When I tried suggesting support for the construction of the Wall many years ago, I got blistered. But, after it was built, I was pleased to see healing begin. I heard my Uncle's talking about making a visit to DC just to visit the Wall. To my surprise, my Dad became determined to visit the Wall even though he is still reluctant to talk about any of this. As for me, I keep an etching of Bernie's name from the Wall at work under an American Flag so that I never forget him. He is one of my inspirations, just wish I had been able to know my second cousin better.

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