Saying Goodbye

Saying goodbye is never easy but it makes it a lot easier to know that someday we will see our beloved grandfather in heaven and spend eternity with him in the presence of our Lord and Savior!


Cliff Hammer's earthly body was laid to rest on June 17, 2011 at Riverside National Cemetery. He was laid to rest with full Military Honors due to his years of service in the US Navy. He is survived by his wife of 73 years, Thelma Hammer who just celebrated her 95th birthday. All family and some friends (although he outlived most of them) were there to pay their final respects and to support my grandma. It was my grandpa's request that my dad perform the ceremony and my dad did a great job. My sister Cassie did the eulogy and it too went well. It was amazing to recount his life in a few short paragraphs but I do hope my few paragraphs at my own funeral will be as jammed packed and full of love as my grandpa's.

Taking pictures with my grandma before the service began

I loved seeing the casket draped with the flag. My grandpa's military experience shaped him and it was a big part of who he was. The flag put a tear in most of our eyes.

Supporting my grandma-- My moms siblings- Aunt Debbie and Uncle Cliff (Cliff Jr.)

Pall Bearer's were Kevin, Ethan, Owen, My brother Brad, my nephew Christian, my cousin Terry and my cousin Katie's boyfriend (soon to be fiance) Eric. This was a great experience for the boys.

Playing Taps-- man was that hard to hold back the tears. So emotional!

Presenting the flag to my grandma. I was so impressed with the people from the military who participated in the ceremony. It was beautiful!

A final salute

Cassie giving the eulogy

My dad doing the service. The girls wanted to sit with my mom.

Passing out flowers to be laid on the casket

My grandma laying her rose on the casket for a final goodbye.

My mom taking Mia up to lay her rose

The girls with grandma

Again, being a part of the ceremony was so great for the boys. They were respectful and did a great job. They loved grandpa Hammer as he was a big part of their lives. They loved listening to his military stories-- we all did!!!

My grandma watching the Hurst close. It was very hard to watch grandma because she was aware of what was happening and knows grandpa is gone but is also dealing with her own memory problems (remember she is 95). She remembers most of us but struggles with just day to day. I know this was hard for her and you could tell she was grieving.

Ethan was such a man! He was supportive but also was very emotional. Out of all the great grandchildren, Ethan knew grandpa the best and was very touched by his passing and the ceremony. I love that Ethan is totally in touch with his emotions and is not afraid to show them. He was a big support to my mom as you can see in this picture.

Because Ethan was the oldest, he was allowed to go to the luncheon after at a restaurant by our house. The little kids had a babysitter at our house and they swam and ate pizza but my mom thought Ethan was able to handle being at the long luncheon-- and he did. We had a private room and we were able to laugh at the wonderful memories we all had. Ethan even shared a few. It was a great time with our family remembering the glue that held us together but also the one who shaped us all.

We love you so much Grandpa and we know we will see you again!!!