A true friend to the end, Billy rests in peace

A man who identified himself only as Matt bows his head after being given the flag for Navy Seaman Apprentice Charles William Bean, a Vietnam veteran, who was buried with military honors today at Fort Logan National Cemetery. Bean, 58, was often homeless and no survivors could be located for his service. His friends called him Billy. And on this somber day, Matt was all the family Billy had in the world.
Hat tip: BLACKFIVE
A true friend to the end, Billy rests in peace
By James B. Meadow
August 20, 2007
Rocky Mountain News
FORT LOGAN NATIONAL CEMETERY
They buried a sailor Monday. His name was Charles William Bean, but most of the homeless people who knew him called him Billy. Maybe his family would have called him that, too — if he'd had any family.
But he didn't. At least none that could be found.
Which is why during the 11-minute funeral service, when a chaplain who didn't know Billy at all but tried his best to say comforting things was finished, as the last quavering note of Taps had floated over the weeping willows and into the sky, Petty Officer Carl Altevogt walked over to a softly weeping man in an ill-fitting suit — a man who was all the family Billy had in the world.
"On behalf of a grateful nation, a proud Navy and the president of the United States, I present this flag to you in honor of your friend's faithful and honorable service to our country," said Altevogt, reciting the traditional statement, handing the precisely folded U.S. flag to Matt.
Then, for some reason he couldn't put his finger on, Altevest felt the urge to add something. Something to, as he put it, "personalize the message."
So, in a voice as gentle as the breeze limping around Shelter B, he added, "I'm sure your friend is happy that you're here to accept this flag for him."
Matt took the flag and held it to his heart as tightly and urgently as the heat held the day. He nodded wordlessly. Just as silent as he would be afterwards for the media assembled for the occasion.
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