This morning, I have been granted the honor of offering a Eulogy for my SUVCW Brother and friend, PCinC Charles E. Kuhn Jr. While, I was very aware of the health issues, which had plagued Charlie for many years, his indomitable spirit led me to hope for the best. My last visit with Charlie occurred in October of 2016 while in the area attending a Testimonial Luncheon for John Frantz. During, that visit, at Charlie’s home, it was clear that Charlie’s condition had worsened. However true to form Charlie seemed determined to fight on. Both Barbara and I were shocked by the news of his death in the first week of December and prepared to attend his funeral.
I had known Charlie for just ten years, having first meet him during the 2006 National Encampment in Harrisburg. However, during those ten years Charlie first became an advisor, then a mentor, and finally a friend. I believe the best quality Charlie possessed was his ability to make friends. Charlie loved to be with other people. He loved to talk, and he was constantly seeking out people to interact with. Charlie was a man who possessed a big heart. A heart filled with love for his wife Joanne, his daughter Michelle, and his Grandchildren. A heart that was also large enough to make room for every one of his Brother and Sisters in the Allied Orders. Once Charlie had won your friendship, he never forgot you and you could not forget him.
Because of that love for family and friends; Individuals from the local community joined by Charlie’s friends, Brothers and Sisters, who came to Gettysburg from Illinois, Michigan, Virginia, Pennsylvania, and so many other places assembled to say farewell. In his Eulogy that day PCinC Gene Mortorff said he wished Charlie could have seen how many people there were to honor and remember him.
Charlie was also a Patriot in every sense of the word. He believed in his country and he took his responsibility as a citizen seriously. He was similarly dedicated to the remembrance of our Civil War ancestors. He poured himself into honoring their memory and invested many hours to projects such as the Remembrance Day Parade and the re-dedication of the Peace Monument on the Gettysburg Battlefield.
Finally, a couple of personal reflections, I would like to say that Charlie and I shared a few moments that I will cherish. In 2009, I invited Gene Mortorff to attend the first ever Lincoln Birthday Dinner put on by my Camp in Lynchburg, VA and Charlie accompanied him. The evening was going well and entertainment, in the form of a period group singing Lincoln’s favorite songs, was nearing its end. Well the last song that the group chose to play was “Dixie”, a song Lincoln said was his favorite, and of course being in the south and many of our members, guest and wives being descended from both sides of the War; they stood for the song. Well Charlie looked like a deer caught in a headlight but finally also stood. For me that was proof that Charlie was open minded and ecumenical. My second reflection proves another aspect of Charlies humanity. When my wife was struck with Breast Cancer, Charlie showed real concern for her and kept track of her status. During his own personal battle with Cancer he sought to comfort and support us. That is real friendship and real love for your fellow human being.
No comments:
Post a Comment