Do not stand at my grave and weep.
I am not there; I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow;
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain;
I am the gentle autumn's rain.

Do not stand at my grave and mourn.
I am the dew-flecked grass at dawn.
Where tranquil oceans meet the land
I am the footprints in the sand
To guide you through the weary day.
I am still here; I'll always stay.

When you wake up to morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry.
I am not there; I did not die.


Mary Elizabeth Frye (1904-2004)



~ Interment ~

Howard was laid to rest at Memorial Park Cemetery on February 28, 2008, after a beautiful funeral service at St. Stephens Episcopal Church in Ferguson, MO. The service was officiated over by Rev. Dr. Charles Morris, and Stephen J. Robin, Ministery Intern. Father Morris had been Howard's pastor and friend for 24 years prior to his retirement in 1995. After his retirement, Father Morris had continued his friendship with Howard.

After the committal ceremony at Memorial Park Chapel, Howard was honored with a military farewell by American Legion Florissant Valley Memorial Post #444. This honor was afforded Howard as a member of the "greatest generation" for his service overseas during World War II. After the playing of taps, and firing of a gun salute, the American flag draping his casket was folded and presented to his family.


A Hero Has Left Us

Howard was living at the Missouri Veterans Home in St. Louis when he passed away. They have a beautiful ceremony they perform for veterans who pass away while in their care.

When the hearse came to transport Howard to the funeral home, they draped his gurney in an American Flag. As they moved him from his room to the corridor, a gong was struck and an announcement made over the public address system that a hero had left them, and his name was announced. As they rolled him down the hall to the nurses station where the nursing staff was gathered to bid him farewell, the residents from his wing lined the hall and stood at attention saluting Howard. As the gurney was rolled from the C100 wing down the main corridor to the lobby, other staff and residents from MoVets lined the hall bidding Howard farewell.

When they reached the lobby, they played taps, and as his body was wheeled from the lobby and placed in the hearse, they once again struck the gong and announced that Howard Hahn, an American hero, had left the building.


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