[August 1, 2025] My philosophy has always been to attend the funerals of those I know. And, it doesn’t matter the weather: rain or shine. Be there for the relatives, friends, and clergy. This is a duty we all owe one another. Yesterday, I attended the funerals of another Veteran, and I plan to continue as long as I’m able.
My brother and I stood there, looking at the casket of our great-grandfather. This was the first funeral we ever attended. Neither of us wanted to be there. My father made it clear, “You’re going to the funeral, do it for the family.” I couldn’t talk, my brother cried, and we were both in shock from looking at the faces of our relatives and strangers. The lesson, always attend funerals.
Years later, people would remember the two little boys there and note that we were the only two children present. We were learning a life lesson: do the right thing even when you don’t want to do it.
Even when you don’t want to, or it is unpopular, doing the right thing is at the epicenter of maturity and respect.
Going to a funeral may not mean much to you, but it means a lot to someone else. Is it inconvenient? Yes. Is attending a funeral awkward and uncomfortable? Yes. There is nothing heroic or courageous in attending a funeral, but it is something I do. Being among the deceased person’s relatives at the funeral home or church is difficult.
Because of my job in the military, I also attended many funerals and memorial services, hundreds of them. That was the sad part of my job, but I went, not because of an obligation or career requirement, but because it was right. I looked into the eyes of the family survivors and said good things about the person who passed away. I learned that lesson early. You may not want to be there, but I can assure you, no one does.
I’ve had many parents, spouses, and a variety of relatives and friends of the deceased express their appreciation that I took the time to be there with them. Going to a funeral of someone you know or the relative of someone you know sends a message that you respect the deceased or appreciate their family. You can never fully get used to going to a funeral. The emotions are always there, often tears on the sleeve and handkerchiefs. It’s tough.
Many years ago, when I was deployed at the beginning of the Iraq War, it was a time of great difficulty. It was the first time good friends had been killed in combat. One morning, the four of them were there, and we talked and laughed; a few hours later, they were all dead in a helicopter shoot-down. Eleven Soldiers died in that encounter, four I knew well.
Those present at funerals or memorials honor those who have died, regardless of the cause of death or inconvenience of attendance. As a young kid, I didn’t understand what it meant to attend a funeral. Now I know.
Yes, I will always go to the Always attend Funerals
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Good advice. Excellent advice!!
Gen. S. knows his stuff. Of course, anyone who has any level of maturity should know this and attened funerals.
WOW WOW WOW …. “Many years ago, when I was deployed at the beginning of the Iraq War, it was a time of great difficulty. It was the first time good friends had been killed in combat. One morning, the four of them were there, and we talked and laughed; a few hours later, they were all dead in a helicopter shoot-down. Eleven Soldiers died in that encounter, four I knew well.” This is scary as hell.
Go to funerals. Best advice from Gen. Satterfield.
Exactly what I like to read. Of course, like others have written, this comes from your great book ’55 rules for a good life’ so never take this book away. I have extra copies that I give away to good kids who I think are going to do well in the world. The others, well, I just sit back and say good things to them and make them feel good. But the really good ones will get my advice, mentoring, and help whenever they ask for it. That is how the real world works. The best get more of everything (except in America where they are discriminated against). Any way, I’ve enjoyed your books immensely. Keep these great articles coming our way.
Yes, North of Austin (I assume north of Austin, TEXAS). I too love the book “55 Rules for a Good Life.” I hope Gen. Satterfield comes out with an update soon.
—— or suffer your failures to attend. Remember that cowards die a thousand deaths. 🕷🕷🕷🕷
Bless you, Gen. Satterfield. 🙏
I go to funerals of all my relatives. Sometimes it means travel and is expensive. But I never miss, unless I’m ill. And the first was my dad’s funeral when I was 10 years old. I cried like your younger brother, sir. I agree, good advice to always attend funerals. 💐 🙏💯❤️
Spot on comment 💯
Yes, take great care in going against Gen. Satterfield’s good advice.
Attending a funeral is an honor, esp. if invited. If you are to asked to be a pallbearer, then you are given the highest honor. Do a reading. Say some good words about the times you had with the deceased or at least speak about their reputation. The fact you are there matters more than you will ever know.
Even if the family of the deceased doesn’t remember you, be there. And, never fail to be there for those who lost a loved one. This is a moral obligation.
This is always about doing the right thing. I think that might be too much work for a crazy Democrat.