ARLINGTON, Va. - U.S. Navy chaplain Capt. Eli Takesian was ceremonially laid to rest at the Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia, on Dec. 4, 2014.
Takesian served as the eighth Chaplain of the Marine Corps and during his career he earned the Legion of Merit, two Bronze Stars and four Presidential Unit Citations. Upon retiring in 1987, he had given nearly 30 years of service to his country.
“He has served as an icon, as a mentor, [and] as a hero for all of us chaplains, who are serving today,” said Rear Adm. Brent Scott, 19th Chaplain of the Marine Corps.
A large number of family, friends and service members participated in a final rites mass at the Old Post Chapel at Fort Myer, Virginia.
“(Takesian) is one of my military brothers that I just never met and quite frankly we say goodbye to our brothers and sisters, who have served honorably,” said Capt. Steven Unger, Command Chaplain for Marine Corps Installations Command. “It’s important for as many of us to pay tribute as we can.”
Following the mass, the Navy Honor Guard marched the casket draped in the broad stripes and white stars of the American flag, Takesian’s ashes were escorted to his final resting place.
“We honor him with the countless chaplains that follow him with the reminder that courage is not in the uniform, it’s not of a profession, it’s not of a race or gender,” said Scott. “Courage is a matter of the heart, a matter of calling, a matter of character.”
Takesian first answered the call of duty as an enlisted Marine serving the Corps during the Korean War from November 1951 to November 1952. When he completed his time, he attended the Princeton Theological Seminary earning a master’s degree in theology. Takesian returned to service soon after, this time as a Navy chaplain, completing two tours in Vietnam alongside the troops he served.
“I think he was a chaplain, who got it,” said Scott. “He got what it meant to be a chaplain on the deck plate, he was with his people.
“He is a Navy chaplain, who is known throughout the ranks for the kind of man he was and the kind of service he brought to sailors and Marines.”
The Honor Guard fired three volleys from their rifles for the 21-gun salute, a naval tradition to pay respects to a fallen shipmate. At the close of the ceremony, all attending gave their condolences to Mrs. Margaret Takesian, Takesian’s wife.
Takesian is remembered for his service and care of the men and women of the United States Naval forces, who work to protect their county by land, sea and air.
“Courage is not the absence of fear, courage is bold,” said Scott. “That’s the Eli Takesian the Navy, the Marine Corps and the church grew to love and revere.”