Compass Points - Gray Service

General Gray is honored

Compass Points - Gray Service

General Gray is honored

July 30, 2024

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On the morning of July 29, 2024, some 500 somber Marines and friends of the Corps gathered in person inside the Fort Myer Memorial Chapel. Those 500 were only a fraction of the thousands, the tens of thousands, and even the hundreds of thousands who knew and loved General Alfred M. Gray, Jr. Everyone in the chapel rose to their feet when two junior Marines in dress blues slowly and reverently brought General Gray's flag draped coffin down the center aisle. The honorary pall bearers were all former Commandants.

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General Charles C. Krulak

General James L. Jones

General Michael W. Hagee

General James T. Conway

General James F. Amos

General Joseph F. Dunford Jr.

General Robert B. Neller

General David H. Berger

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The service began with a reading from Job 19:25-27:

25 I know that my redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand on the earth.

26  And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God;

27  I myself will see him with my own eyes—I, and not another. How my heart yearns within me!

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Eulogies were provided by:

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Lieutenant General George J. Flynn (ret), a former aide to General Gray and close family friend.

General Eric M. Smith, Commandant of the Marine Corps

Rear Admiral Carey H. Cash, Chaplain of the Marine Corps

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All the speakers paid tribute not only to General Gray but also to his wife, Mrs. Janice G. Gray who was being buried along with her husband. In life, the couple were well known for their love of each other, their love for their dogs, and their devotion to the Marine Corps.

Music was performed by a quintet from the Presidents Own and two vocalists who led the singing of two hymns selected by General Gray, "Onward Christian Soldiers" and "In the Garden."

At the conclusion of the service at Memorial Chapel, General Gray's flag draped coffin was moved to the grave site. Two ceremonial rifle companies from the Marine Barracks at 8th & I, as well as the Marine Corps band provided a solemn escort. Also escorting was a single horse, riderless, with boots backwards, signifying the loss of a warrior.

Once everyone had assembled at grave site, funeral honors continued with a fly over by four AV8B Harrier jets who executed the missing man maneuver. Next, a 19-gun cannon salute paid respect to General Gray and then a 21-gun rifle volley. After only a few words from Admiral Cash, a lone trumpeter played Taps. The flag detail slowly folded the flag and passed the flag to General Smith, who presented the flag to the family representative, General Flynn.

General and Mrs. Gary are interred at Arlington National Cemetery, section 35 - 3341.

Those Marines and members of the broad Marine community who were able to assemble at Arlington National Cemetery on a hot Monday afternoon in July were the representatives of so many more all around the world who are paying their respects to General Gray.  Once when he was asked what was different about being in charge of the Marine Corps, instead of one of the other services, Gray is said to have replied that America expects the Marine Corps Commandant to be "personally responsible for his Marines." 

Rest easy Marine. You have done your duty. You have won your race.

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Eternal Father, grant we pray.

To all Marines both night and day.

The courage, honor, strength and skill

Their land to serve, Thy law fulfill.

Be Thou the shield forevermore

From every peril to the Corps

-- Eternal Father hymn (Marine verse)