Tony is laid to rest at Arlington

We just got back from Virginia 3 nights ago. Being back home has been a lot more difficult than either of us had anticipated. In Virginia we were surrounded by family and friends - which really helped us through this difficult time, but now that we're back home it's more quiet and less busy - and that means there's more time to think. Ugh. Every morning I wake up - I keep hoping it was all just a horrible nightmare, but it wasn't. The only thing that provides us any comfort is in knowing that God is in control and that we'll see Tony again one day.



Jason, James and Michael honoring their brother during the viewing


We've always considered ourselves patriotic, but since Tony's passing - I think we now have a renewed sense of patriotism. We're so proud of what Tony was doing to keep our country safe and we're so grateful to him for his sacrifice. He truly was an American hero.

On April 18th, we had a beautiful memorial service for Tony at church. Upon entering the church, there were 20 Patriot Guard Riders holding American flags and an EOD flag. So many people came. It was amazing to see how many lives Tony had touched in some way. 1/3 of the church was comprised of Tony's EOD brethren and friends, the other 1/3 was made up of family and the final 1/3 was made up of church family. We had praise and worship, Michael assisted James in performing a song that James had written for Tony, we watched the beautiful slide show of Tony that Jason had made for the service and Jason gave an amazing eulogy. He had James and Michael stand up front with him for support. When he was finished speaking, he and his 2 brothers walked down from the stage - but before going back to their seats, the three of them stopped in front of Tony's casket and saluted it. At the end of the service (after the Pastor's message), Jason and his 4 younger brothers - James, Mike, Joe and Jake - along with one of their cousins Paul, brother-in-law Nate and Tony's longtime friend and EOD brother Frankie carried Tony's casket out to the hearse.







Jason's slide show for Tony's memorial service




Pall bearers: Frankie, Jacob, James, Michael, Paul, Nate, Joe and Jason


From there, we headed up to Arlington. There were Patriot Guard Riders riding ahead of the hearse - and the entire motorcade was escorted all the way from Fredericksburg, VA all the way to Arlington (a 60 mile drive). The entire freeway was completely blocked off and empty from the beginning of the drive until we reached Arlington. It was one of the most amazing things I've ever seen! The length of the motorcade (starting with the police car out in front to the last car in the very back - single file) was 3 miles long!! We heard later on - that traffic was backed up behind us all the way to King's Dominion (which is about 30 miles south of where we started out)! A police car or motorcycle was stopping traffic coming onto the freeway at every on ramp - and they all saluted as the hearse drove past them. If any of you have ever lived in the D.C. area - you know the freeway is always very crowded and NEVER empty!























The Air Force Honor Guard waiting to give the 21 gun salute


Praying


Angie receiving her flag


Mom Capra receiving her flag


Tony and Angie's firstborn receiving a flag


Jason receiving a flag






Jason and Michael


The entire service at Arlington made me well up with pride. I'm not only extremely proud of Tony, but I'm also very proud of all of our men and women in uniform - for their commitment, bravery and sacrifice.

That night and the night afterwards we had family and friends over to celebrate Tony's life. Here is a video clip of one of our cousins, Becky, who sang the National Anthem (after we all begged her to do it). There wasn't a dry eye in the room.



We're really going to miss Tony. People probably think I'm exaggerating when I say that Tony used to call Jason and I each 5 times a day - but it's true! I'm so glad that he did. It's almost as though he was unknowingly making up for time we were going to miss spending with him in the future. He will be greatly missed. He was an amazing brother and friend.

Link to Arlington National Cemetery Release Information:
http://www.arlingtoncemetery.net/alcapra.htm