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#1
30th July 2007, 07:05 AM
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The HonorTHE HONOR
Story By Bill Burnside The weather is beautiful. I, along with 20 other white doves (Homer Pigeons), am in our carrying cage, traveling to a local cemetery. Today we will pay honor to one of your fallen veterans. At the grave site we have been placed in the best possible location for our release. I see the Honor Guard is moving the casket of the deceased soldier to the area of rest. It is draped with our great Nation’s Flag, the Red, White and Blue, radiant in the bright sunshine. I have attended a military funeral before. Today will be different for me. The casket is resting above the grave site. The ceremony begins. It is always performed with great dignity and respect for the fallen one. I am removed from the release box and held by my keeper. I know I will have a special part to play in the ceremony. I will be released alone. The firing party is firing a 21 gun salute. As soon as the last volley ends, the bugler plays Taps. It brings shivers to the root of my feathers. I have never gotten used to it. As the last note of Taps echoes, 20 white homers are released. They are quick to ascend. I am presented to an elderly lady; she looks me in the eye, says a couple of soft words, and gently tosses me in the air. This is a great honor for me. I am the lone dove symbolizing the spirit of the deceased. I fly as fast as I can to reach the others making their first circle. We all circle two more times above the grave and then head home. I am a pigeon, a white dove. Today I flew with honor. 
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#2
30th July 2007, 04:51 PM
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This is truly a touching and bitter-sweet "flight of honor "- and enjoyable to hear it from the birds own account.
Thank you for sharing.
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#5
30th July 2007, 06:15 PM
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I enjoyed BOTH your post AND your story of ring # 1225. What a shame you never found out what happened to "1225."
Thank you for posting and touching my heart. Hugs and Scritches to you, your family and all your pijies Shi & Squeaks 
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