Arlington National Cemetery (ANC) continues to execute its mission of providing military honors for our deceased soldiers and veterans, as well as burial of dependents, with approximately 25 services a day. My office is located at Old Post Chapel, Ft. Myer, VA.

My responsibilities include conducting most of the Protestant chapel services for the Army, in addition to graveside services, most of which include some form of military honors. Since arrival here July 01 I have conducted or participated in approximately 400 burial services of various forms.

For a few days following 11 Sep 01 the services here at ANC slowed down due to the airline shutdown, but, quickly the number of services was back to a full schedule. I have conducted or been involved in the burial of 9 Pentagon casualties.

On Thursday, 10 Jan 02, I conducted the service for the last of the Pentagon casualties. I am amazed at the strength of these families, especially the ones whose faith was alive and well prior to the 11th. I have been inspired and encouraged to see families whose world has been disturbed and disrupted, but not destroyed, because they have a faith that reaches beyond this world.

One quick story. I completed the train up for ANC in mid-June and began my duty here on 2 July. I must admit I was extremely nervous about going solo on that first day. ANC can be very intimidating. Even though my training was adequate, until you've completed a few services, it is a bit unnerving to be on the ANC stage. Even today, I get the butterfly's when I realize the awesomeness of this place, and the privilege I have of being here. At 0830 on that first morning I looked in the mirror for a last check of my dress blues, said a brief prayer, then headed for family room D to meet my family, a widow and few family members from Florida.

The chaplains get a few minutes with the families just prior to heading out to the actual burial site or to the chapel. The family was a true delight and I could sense their faith, in the midst of their sorrow. After visiting with these wonderful people for a few moments, the widow happened to inquire regarding my denominational ties, to which I proudly replied, Nazarene. The widow looked up at me through tear filled eyes and said, "we're Nazarenes also." "Before we left Florida we prayed and asked God to send us a Nazarene chaplain to do this service." I am happy I was part of her answer to prayer.

CH (MAJ) Claude A. Crisp
Arlington National Cemetery