Thursday, January 19, 2017

Semper Fidelis, Including To Us

What did a Marine Corps general have to do with Regina Pacis Cantorum? Lots.

LTG Martin Brandtner was laid to rest yesterday at the Fernley Veterans Cemetery following an Exaordinary Form Requiem Mass at the Cathedral during which members of RPC sang. But, as Kathy explained, if not for Martin Brandtner, RPC might not be around today.

He was fond of sacred music, and when Kathy found that much of RPC's sheet music had been disposed of, she wasn't sure whether the choir could continue. She reached out to Brandtner, who connected Kathy with Reno's Scholz Family Foundation, where he eventually became executive director. The foundation came through with a $6,000 grant for new and replacement music for the choir (it's not all public domain, you know). That's why to this day, much of the music we use says "Property of Scholz Family Foundation."

Read his obituary here. Most noteworthy about his invaluable service to our country is that he was one of only two men to be awarded two Navy Crosses during the Vietnam War. But he was more than a warrior. Kathy's daughter Marli wrote:

I lost a very special friend who was laid to rest today. To the rest of the world, he was a Lt. General, a Marine, a commander and great leader, but to me, he was more like a father. Our families spent numerous holidays together, and I am so grateful for all those memories. Semper Fidelis, Dad #2. I will love you always.

So we remember LTG Martin Brandtner--commander, brave soul, friend, and our benefactor--with this prayer for deceased veterans:
O God, by whose mercy the faithful departed find rest, look kindly on your departed veterans who gave their lives in the service of their country. Grant that through the passion, death, and resurrection of your Son they may share in the joy of your heavenly kingdom and rejoice in you with your saints forever. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

No comments:

Post a Comment