Arlington Full Honors Burial Pvt. William E. Rambo April 4, 2022 MIA Betio, Tarawa KIA Nov 20, 1943

The real RAMBO was a United States Marine!

Marine Full Honors burial services were held at Arlington National Cemetery on April 4, 2022 for Pvt. William E. Rambo.

Pvt. William E. Rambo of the United States Marine Corps, who was “Killed in Action” on November 20, 1943, in the Battle of Tarawa. The battle took place during World War II on the Island of Betio in the Tarawa Atoll in the Gilbert Islands in the Pacific Ocean. Pvt. Rambo was 20 years old and from LaPorte, IN.

Thomas Griffith was presented the flag of a grateful nation by Marine Sergeant Major Jesse James Dorsey Jr.

Music credits: The Marines Hymn by The Presidents Own
Amazing Grace on Bag Pipes

[alexandersinhell]

As a grandson of a Marine who fought in 'Nam and is buried in Arlington, i salute you, Fallen Marine. Your watch is done, Private Rambo. May you never be forgotten.

[bepolite]

I am a retired British cop and serviceman. Years ago I attended a call where neighbours reported not seeing their neighbour for several days. I forced entry into his house and found him dead in the bathroom. After making sure there was nothing suspicious about his passing and seeing to his dignity, I began the routine enquiries of trying to locate his next of kin. Neighbours told me he had no family they knew of and a search of his house and personal belongings found no information. I did notice a lot of framed photographs and memorabilia that told me this man had served in the Royal Navy for decades. I contacted the Royal Naval Association. They instantly took care of everything from there on. An appeal for family was placed in the local press but none were traced. At his funeral, hundreds of serving and former service members from every service, Navy, Army, Airforce attended. He may have passed away alone but he was not alone when he was sent on his final journey. That's what it means to have served. You are never alone in death and you are never forgotten by your brothers and sisters in arms.

[Phillimeter]

I’ve never seen respect and dignity delivered with such perfection. I’m British and no one does this like the US military. Not even us. It’s a marvel to watch. RIP Marine 🇺🇸

[XJarhead]

Civilians don't understand that young men go into battle scared, hungry, sweaty and with the knowledge they might not make it. Pvt. Rambo did what his country asked him to do while confronting his fears. He finally came home but not as he wanted. Semper Fi and may he RIP.

[tomc.]

Thank you Pvt. Rambo for the freedoms I have today. Never forget how much we owe these men. R.I.P.

[joshmcdonald]

Leave None Behind.
It took nearly 80 years, but he was found, and brought home.
As Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen we know that if we fall, we will never be left behind.
Rest Easy Marine. Welcome Home.

[josephmckenna]

Although it was one of the saddest days of my life, I remember walking down that same road and being instantly filled with a sense of comfort, honor and peace seeing my grandfather, a Marine, an Officer, a Veteran who worked in the space program given full honors in such a beautiful way for his life of service. Our men and women in uniform at Arlington perform an invaluable service, and I thank them from the bottom of my heart for that day..

[johnslaughter]

Thank you for posting this. I have had the honor to visit Arlington National Cemetery while on an Honor Flight. I also had the honor to be met at the gate by a member of the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment who drove me to the site where my first C.O. was laid to rest. He was the best C.O. a new sailor could have to begin his career. He then drove to rejoin my group at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. I don't think anyone can ever visit Arlington without feeling a profound sense of the importance of the National Cemeteries that look over the final resting places of the men and women who served their country, and so many who made the ultimate sacrifice. My final honor will be to be laid to rest at sea with the millions of other sailors who already sleep in the depths.

[MikeM]

I still remember my Dad's funeral in 1978. Although he had spent his life as an educator helping kids, he had been in WWII. A Staff Sgt, Omaha Beach, first wave, 741st Tank Battalion attached to the 1st Infantry Division, then the Hedgerow fighting, liberating St. Lo, first into Paris, and surrounded on the opening night of the Battle of the Bulge. I have all of his letters home to my mom. I have the flag the military folded and handed to my mom in the ceremony, just like this one. It's been in my closet for decades. I think I should bring it out onto a place of honor in the living room.

[williammyers]

No greater honor than to honor someone that gave the ultimate sacrifice. Thank you sir

[raybaker]

RIP Pvt Rambo. Thank you. My Grandfather is a Marine. Grandfather worked as a guard over the Anola Gay before it went to Japan. When Grandfather passed he was laid to rest in a small cemetary close to where he lived. He had the same send off.

[hhhhhh]

A Generation that will never be out done
Rest Easy Rambo more gutts and heart then most these days.
God Bless

[edwardperett]

Pvt. William E. Rambo:: Thank you for your service and sacrifice. Our country is grateful❤

[montyzumazoom]

Very moving.
We made a point to visit Arlington Cemetery when my wife and I took our three teenage children to Washington DC as part of a family trip to the USA many years ago.
Sincere respects and best wishes from a Brit on the other side of the pond.

[michellecalling]

Dear Pvt. Rambo and to his family. I dearly appreciate your sacrifice to our country. Thank you.

[chriscuddeback]

While I have been to a few military funerals...one for one of my best friends since bootcamp and being stationed together to my own fathers service at Arlington...It is the most bone chilling experiance I have and will ever encounter! I am proud to be a Navy vet and the son of a Marine who served 2 tours in Vietnam! I do not wish this type of service for anyone. Very well done color guard! Semper Fi Marine.

[hlaan]

Viewing this from the Netherlands I am impressed by this ceremony showing respect to your fallen soldiers . I wish we would have this in our country .

[deloresdixon]

Thank You PVT Rambo.for your service and sacrifice. You did so that my son and others like him could come home. Although they are never the same sons we sent to protect us, they are still the ones we love. God Bless you and your family.

[spawntez]

Welcome home my marine brother, may you finally rest in peace amongst your fallen brothers. Semper Fi

[djnasaonassis]

I wish I had been born in this country.
There is respect and honor in this place.