Gen. Edward Rowny - Arlington Burial

Ceremonies for Gen. Edward Rowny at Arlington Cemetery
by Peter Obst
On Wednesday June 13, 2018, General Edward L. Rowny was laid to rest in Arlington Cemetery in Washington DC. The general passed away in December of 2017, at age 100, but the ceremony had to wait owing to the backlog of funerals at the nation's oldest military burial ground.
Those who came to the ceremony followed a horse drawn caisson with the flag draped casket escorted by an uniformed honor company and a marching band. A riderless horse was also part of the cortege. On reaching the gravesite a military funeral detail placed the casket on the grave. There a chaplain from the United States Army led the prayers. There was a memorial cannon salute and a rifle company fired three-volleys. The American flag was carefully folded and presented to the general's family. On conclusion a bugler played the traditional Taps.
Before departing the site family and friends placed flowers upon the simple plain wooden coffin. Among those present was Major General Cezary Wisniewski, Poland's Military Attache in Washington, and Steve Olejasz, Vice-President of the Association of American Friends of Kosciuszko at West Point. It should be mentioned that maintaining "Kosciuszko's Garden" at the US Military Academy was a project originated supported by Gen. Rowny.
General Rowney had an illustrious career, serving in WWII, the Korean conflict and the Vietnam War. He was a negotiator in arms talks and advisor to five United States Presidents. Born in the United States for Polish parents, and always proud of his Polish heritage, he visited Poland on a Kosciuszko Foundation grant before WWII broke out. The 45 minute film, "Ambassador of Peace" written and directed by Wieslaw Dabrowski describes his life in war and peace.
On Saturday, January 27th, 2018 a Funeral Mass took place at 11:00 am at The Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament, 3630 Quesada Street, NW, Washington, DC. 20015 followed by the viewing from 10:00 am to 10:45 am at the church. This was followed by a Remembrance of Life and Reception for General Edward L. Rowny at 1:00pm at the Courtyard Marriott, Chevy Chase, 5520 Wisconsin Avenue, NW., Chevy Chase, MD 20815

Photographs by: Peter Obst

1. Crowd watches as the casket is placed on the caisson

2. Casket on casisson with escort

3. Burial detail moves the casket to the gravesite

4. (l. to r.) Major General Cezary Wisniewski, Poland's Military Attache in Washington, and
Steve Olejasz, Vice-President of the Association of American Friends of Kosciuszko at West Point

5. Headstone and casket (Section 30, near the main gate)

6. Headstone and casket