Grandpas Funeral

He loved hunting deer, elk, and pheasants with his kids, family and friends. Melvin had a great love for horses and became well known for his outstanding horsemanship. He was the strength of the Hyrum Saddle Club for over two decades, including serving as their President. The list goes on and on. Melvin served as the Grand marshal of the Hyrum City Fourth of July celebration, Hyrum Rodeo Chairman and many other callings and assignments. He truly was a pillar of our community.

He loved his Heavenly Father, his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, his Church, his wonderful family, and above all else, his precious wife and eternal soulmate, Rose.

Military Honor Gurard Tribute

Wednesday, January 28th, 2009

Hyrum City Cemetery
On behalf of the American Legion South Cache Post 47.

Melvin truly was one of us. He led us as our commander, and he served alongside us, his fellow veterans, for many many years. Melvin loved his country, the beauty of this wonderful valley and the mountains that surround us. His life was blessed with happiness and joy because he and men and women like him have served honorably and without hesitation to protect the freedoms we all enjoy in this great Country.

Following our Victory in the battle for independence, the Founding Fathers formed a new government by writing and ratifying the Constitution of the United States of America. It is to that document, and the government it laid out, that Melvin and all members of the military who serve honorably become brothers in arms.

When we take that oath we "solemnly swear to support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic: that we will bear true faith and alleiance to the same." Melvin, and each of us serving in this military honorguard today, have taken this oath freely and bear witness to its sacred nature and obligation by swearing "So help me God." It is through this oath, and the military honors we render today, that we are bound together as brothers-past, present and future.

(Mom)

(Camille, Mason, & Dad)

(Brayden, Brylee, Chad, Nicole, and Aleisha)

Melvin's coffin is draped with the symbol of our Nation. It is under the Flag that we all serve. It is the flag that is carried into battle, and that flies over our many outposts and ships around the world. It is the Flag that is recognized, by friend, and foe alike, as a symbol of freedom as it flies over this Republic, "the land of the free, and the home of the brave." It is the Flag of the United States of America!

When folded the thirteen stripes will be enveloped by a "new Constellation of stars, " no longer separate states, no longer divided, now a union, "one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all." It is to ensure and maintain that sacred goal that we serve our nation in life and death.

The three volleys come from and old battle field custom. The two warring sides would cease hostilities to clear their dead from the battlefield, and the firing of the three volleys meant that the dead had been properly cared for and the side was ready to resume the battle. Melvin Andersen has been properly cared for and his mortal battles are over. We must now resume the battle where he left off.

As a Bugle Call, Taps was first played to signal "extinguish the lamps" or "lights out." When the Civil War ended in 1865 it also became the final farewell at military funerals. Here are a couple of those verses:

"Go to sleep, peaceful sleep, may the soldier or sailor God keep,

on the land or the deep, safe in sleep."

"Day is done, gone the sun, from the hills, from the lake, from the sky.

All is well, safely rest, God is nigh."

And so for, Brother Melvin Andersen, good friend, brother in arms, loyal and patriotic American, may God bless and keep you and your family and these United States of America.

Grandpa you are missed and loved by many.

We love you and will see you again one day.