Carl R Lambert, My Dad.

I wrote this to deliver at my fathers funeral service. He was buried at Arlington National Cemetery on the morning of December 30th 2008.

I knew him as Dad. That is what I always called him. As the youngest I may have very different memories of him and our home here in Washington DC. I love this place. My memories of him and my time here are strong and vivid.

I have come here many times to Fort Meyer and Arlington National Cemetery. Some of my earliest childhood memories were to come here after church for brunch. Those were happy memories. And sometimes we could go by the stables and see the horses. Those were very special memories.

Dad gave me many other great memories. Boating with Dad on Lake Barcroft, where he taught me how to sail. Like hiking the Appalachian Trail, where he taught me the names of more trees than I can remember. Or flying with him in a Piper Cherokee, down in Quantico, where I learned that my Dad was a very skilled aviator.

And he taught me life lessons. We did things together. From Indian Guides to boating. To love of nature, the water and of art. Some of those traditions I have tried to pass along to my sons. His examples and guidance IS the foundation I have built much of my life upon.

Dad was an honorable and honest man and a dedicated patriot to the United States. He had many successes. Too many to list here today.

I did tell him I loved him and I appreciated him. And I think he and I made our peace. The best way I can think of to honor him is to be a good father to my sons.

I heard a saying that…
One of the greatest examples of being a success,
is when your children raise their children as you raised them.

I will endeavor to honor him and raise good patriotic sons.

Mostly what I want to say to him is “Thank you Dad.”

Here and now I give my final Goodbye. Until we meet again on the other side.

Carl R Lambert Cmdr USN, Burial at Arlington National Cemetery

USN - Aviator, Photo Recon., Photo Interpretation, Navy Intelligence Officer.
Naturalist, Photographer, Artist, Businessman, Husband and Father.

He was a happy guy. I loved him.

Here is Dad with Trish and I at the Huntington Library and Gardens a few years back when Ryan was a little one. Photo by Grace Lambert.