Kim McClellan
Jkmc50@hotmail.com SENDS:
Dear Family, Friends, and Neighbors,
On behalf of Johnny Mercer McClellan, I would like to thank you for your support, your presence to accompany Johnny to his last resting place, and your time at his most favorite place on Apollo Lane to celebrate a momentous occasion.
On May 25th, 2018, at 9:00 AM, we witnessed Captain Johnny Mercer McClellan, USA, laid to rest with dignity and honor in the Columbarium at the Arlington National Cemetery. His permanent address is C: 7 S: P C: 4 N: 1 (Columbarium Court No. 7, Section P, Column 4, Niche 1).
The Full Honors Military Service offered Johnny was the most moving and beautiful experience. A Color Guard leading the funeral procession, followed by a Military Band, an Escort, a Body Bearer Team of 6, the Caisson carrying Johnny’s Urn. At the service at the Columbarium, Johnny had three rifle volleys by a Firing Party of seven riflemen, Tap by a Military Bugler, and the formal folding of the flag. A Military Chaplain officiated the inurnment service. As you recalled, Johnny had a Buddhist Crematory Service. I chose for Johnny to have a Christian Inurnment Service to complete the cycle for Johnny so that he had the best of both world.
Immediately after the Caisson was Johnny’s 1930 Model A Ford, driven by his friend, Darien, and accompanying by Johnny’s wife, KimOanh McClellan. Cars of Family, Friends, and Neighbors joined the procession after John’s car.
To prepare for Johnny’s last ride in his beloved antique car from his beloved home to his final resting place in Arlington National Cemetery, KimOanh made a bow of golden ribbon and black satin—the color of West Point—to decorate the Model A’s, and two “Captain Flags” of red color with white captain bars for the front of the car. The rumble seat of the Model A was filled with dozens of fresh cut Peonies of white, red, pink and fuchsia from the McClellans’ garden. Peonies are known as the flower of riches and honor. With their lush, full, rounded bloom, peonies embody romance and prosperity and are regarded as an omen of good fortune and a happy marriage.
KimOanh dressed in the traditional Vietnamese dress (Ao Dai) of black silk and golden phoenix embroidery—the color of West Point. She wore a black vintage hat with black veil. In May of 1977, Johnny had picked KimOanh up in his 1930 Model A Ford from her place in Arlington, Virginia—not too far from the Arlington National Cemetery-- for their first date in Washington, DC. 41 years later, Johnny and KimOanh rode in the same antique car for their final ride together.
On this day, the weather was nice, the sky was blue, and the Arlington National Cemetery was decorated with American Flags on the tombstones for Memorial Day.
On this day, Johnny Mercer McClellan Will Always Be in Our Thoughts, and Forever in Our Hearts.
Kim McClellan
Jkmc50@hotmail.com
Cell: 202-288-7177
