NORFOLK, Va. — Sailors assigned to Commander Navy Region Mid-Atlantic's Casualty and Funeral Honors Program prepare over and over for the time-honored ceremonies that are steeped in history and respect, providing a final salute to those who served the nation with valor.
"They practice every single day. If they're not out at a service, they're practicing for the service. It's just magnificent to watch the detail these sailors have when they're doing this mission," said Bruce Pickinpaugh, Navy Region Mid-Atlantic's Casualty and Funeral Honors Program Manager.
Over the past 12 months, the team has supported more than 19,900 funerals throughout the 20-state region; during that time, here in Hampton Roads, they have rendered honors at 785 funerals — 99% of them for Navy veterans.
Pickinpaugh says doing this, and doing it right, is urgent.
"This is our country's final opportunity to say thank you for your service. And if we don't get it right, there isn't a do-over. We have such a great group of individuals; they have this connectedness and this sense of duty to what they do for these veterans. They know that they have worn the uniform and they were willing to die for this country, for these freedoms. That's just something that really stands out to the sailors that do these missions," he said.
And the need is only going to grow in years to come.
According to the Pew Research Center, America's current veteran population of more than 18 million people will drop to 12 million in 2048 — a decrease of about 34%.