I was at Arlington National Cemetery yesterday, doing a little book research (for the next one, not this one). There was a funeral service for a general officer. I’ve been to the cemetery before but I’d never witnessed a funeral. They’re held only on weekdays, and I’d always done the tourist thing on weekends. Anyway, it was an impressive sight: flag-draped casket, black caisson pulled by horses, a band marching in step, a well-appointed family of mourners. Our country does a few things really, really well. Honoring our deceased veterans at national cemeteries is one of them.