“Funeral Flag”

by Susan Cenci

Finally chosen after waiting patiently on the shelf
I am lovingly wrapped around a casket
And quietly respect the grief displayed

After a beautiful church service
Travel to the cemetery, 3-volley salute, and Taps,
The Honor Guard reverently folds me

I want to hold the widow in my folds
Can she feel my love as her
Husband is laid to eternal rest?

She puts me in a beautiful wood box
With a glass window and a memorial plaque
Engraved with her husband’s name and rank

I am honored and I am “HOME”


SMSgt Susan Cenci is proud to have served honorably with the 174th Fighter Wing in Syracuse, New York.  She began her career as a Data Processor in 1981 when computers filled a room (personal computers did not exist on the base yet) and printing was done with punch cards processed by Data Processing.  In 1983 she became the Base Commander’s Secretary and was integral in the development of the Family Support office for the unit’s deployment to Desert Storm.  Transferring into the Services Squadron SMSgt position in 1993, she helped set up the Honor Guard for the base.  SMSgt Cenci was very moved to be a member of the Honor Guard and one of her greatest honors was presenting the funeral flag to the family as the senior ranking member of the Honor Guard.