Dave Miller in Vietnam, 1968
Our friend and classmate Dave Miller was buried with full military honors in Arlington National Cemetery on April 1, 2011, honors that he certainly deserved for more than his military service. Dave was a very good person, committed to family; to supporting veterans transitioning to civilian life, especially those with service related conditions; and to communicating the nation’s historical heritage. Dave had a droll sense of humor that he brought to conversations. It is fitting that he died while doing what he enjoyed most, being with his grandsons.
John Van Slyke, David Kroenlein, Joel Park, Gene Carter at Arlington National Cemetery
High school classmates Gene Carter, David Kroenlein, Glenna Stearman Park (along with husband Joel) and John Van Slyke were privileged to be included with a group of friends whom the family invited to attend the moving ceremony. The identified guests were granted admission to the grounds to meet at the Administration Building where we were able to greet family and friends before walking behind the military honor guard and the horse drawn caisson carrying Dave’s remains to the burial site. From the site on a beautiful day, we were able to overlook the cemetery and our nation’s Capitol and national monuments. After brief remarks, Dave’s life was saluted with a rifle volley, the playing of taps and the presentation of the folded flag to the family. Both a somber and uplifting experience.
Horse-drawn caisson carries the remains of Dave Miller to the gravesite.
Dave’s family received the flag that draped his coffin.
Editor’s Note: At least one more 1960 classmate, Bill “Pinky” Nelson, is also buried at Arlington National Cemetery. Both he and Dave Miller had long careers in the Army and resigned with the rank of Lt. Colonel.
