In what has to be one of the most touching images I’ve ever seen, Hawkeye the dog lies next to his owner’s casket.
Petty Officer Jon T. Tumilson was laid to rest Friday in Rockford, Iowa, where an over 1,500 mourners came to pay respects for the fallen Navy SEAL, including his dog Hawkeye.
Hawkeye’s loyalty to his owner at the funeral created a heart-wrenching image as he laid down by the casket during the entire service.
Our thoughts and prayer go out to Hawkeye and the rest of Tumilson’s Family. Navy SEAL Tumilson is the definition of an American hero.
sad
It’s really sad.Who draped the flag on the coffin it’s not done right…
It’s really sad.Who draped the flag on the coffin it’s not done right…
your a F%^^&&** shmuck all u can think about is the flag
Must be hard to walk with no brain stem activity. You are the schmuck….in spades.
First of all Dave, it’s you’re NOT your a shmuck. You’re is a contraction of you are which is what I believe you’re trying to say with your limited command of English. Secondly, that flag is to honour a fallen serviceman and it is very, very important to do these things properly. A sloppy, wrinkled flag tossed onto the casket is insulting to this and all veterans.
Chef Sun
NYC
Seriously, who care if the flag isn’t right!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
As a former Honor Guard member, it does a dis-service to the deceased when the flag is not draped with proper respects. I am assuming since this was in his home town that it was probably the funeral director who draped the flag; I am pretty sure he had no malicious intent.
So….if you served, or have lost friends who have served, then you would care if the flag is not right….
Obviously the people that are saying smarta** remarks are the ones that wasn’t brave enough to serve their country.
Too bad he did… FOUR times! Don’t Judge someone because they were pointing out the obvious. The PJ stand for something in the Air Force, look it up.
Sorry Pam this comment was not for you…lol!
I agree. You show your love and respect by taking the time to do it right to honor the person. It would be as if your spouse or waitrress slapped your food on a chipped plate and slammed it down in front of you.
Not quite but, maybe Julie will get it.
PJ, you are spot on! As a USAF Veteran, Vietnam War Era whose family has served since the American Revolutionary War, I take such matters seriously. I am stunned by the “who cares?” posts here! But, too much of the US of A today is in a “who cares?” mode, which is why we are sinking ever so slowly down the proverbial slope into past history.
Take the time to learn something about the respect and honor that we should show our fallen soldiers. Then you won’t keep making stupid remarks….just sayin’.
No disrespect Julie. But if I have to explain, you obviously don’t understand the importance.
No disrespect Julie. But if I have to explain, you obviously don’t understand the importance.
You know Julie, It’s people like you that are so willing to compromise on absolute truths that are causing the mediocrity of our once great nation. Sometimes things must be done properly, if done at all. There are millions of veterans that noticed that flag draped improperly. I bet most of them had the dignity not to say a word about it because what is done, is done. There was something of greater importance happening at the time. There is no doubt in my military mind that the fallen NAVY SEAL, Petty Officer Jon T. Tumilson, would have been embarassed had he known. Let me give you an example of doing things correctly the first time that I believe you can understand. “Who cares if ACORN members voted illegally?”
One quick question for all in this debate. If when the flag may have been done proper, and all funeral directors know how even by common sense. Is it possible that his dog would pull it off?
I totally respect your knowledge of how a military funeral should be performed and how things should be done properly. With that said, Captain Dave, I take issue to your blanket statement of “it’s people like you that are so willing to compromise on absolute truths…” You know what Dave, this may not be a good example of compromising because it is so important for decorum to be displayed as a sign of respect, but in so many other aspects of life compromise is a quality. Black and white thinking is part of why that dear sweet man is lying in that coffin, and why we are all so touched by his dog lying faithfully next to it. Compromise, is the answer, not the myth of “absolute truths” that are not scientifically based. Your “absolute truths” may not be mine, and that does not make me wrong nor does it make me a mediocre person. Visa versa. Compromise is the path to peace, my friend. Be not so quick to judge.
Gravity is an absolute truth. Light precedes life is an absiolute truth. You don’ tget to decide what is truth, it meeets a higher standard than your feelings or opinoins. If your truth is differrent from someone else’s truth, then some of them are not truth. Truth is always truth; truth is eternal.
Yup. Who cares if Bush and Cheney set up General Colin Powell in front of the UN to pitch an illegal war that with out right lies and deception? Only a bit over 5 THOUSAND, mothers, sisters, brothers, fathers, uncles, aunts etc… died. Thousands more came back maimed or mentally crushed. All for profit. But Eh, WHO CARES!
Too many things are done sloppily today and I truly believe that a fallen soldier should at least have the proper respect of a well applied flag on his casket. Sure it would not be done that way for any important politicians!!
It shows that someone nonmilitary set this up. A mlitary person would have done it right.
Julie you are a moron. Veterans DIE for each other, and we are taught to respect the flag as a symbol of why we endure the rigors of military life. It’s a simple reminder that we as soldiers, marines, and airmen are an extension of that representation. And you put down our rituals of honor? You are a idiot!
WHY EVEN BOTHER putting the flag on there if u’re NOT gonna do it the right way?????
dru
WHY EVEN BOTHER putting the flag on there if u’re NOT gonna do it the right way?????
dru
The dog draped the flag
Another idiot walks among us.
You are correct. The flag is not draped properly. This is so unusual for a military funeral.
You are correct. The flag is not draped properly. This is so unusual for a military funeral.
i have to agree the flag is not draped properly….as a sister of a fallen hero believe me it makes a difference….on another note:REALLY PEOPLE DO YOU STILL THINK ITS JUST A DOG????…although i know that to most the draping of the flag is insignificant but for those that have to see loved ones (spouse, sons, daughter..etc..,) daily get sent back home IT MAKES A DIFFERENCE….
I sympathize with your loss angelica. The comfort we have is in Thessalonians—that we will see our loved ones again in eterntity, and that your brother (?) gave his life as he chose for freedom.
I could be wrong here because I wasn’t in military. However, I don’t believe this was the official funeral. It was held in a gym for the family and town’s people. Won’t they have another one with the propoer logistics, 21-gun solute, flag properly drapped, etc…
I am amazed that everyone is off the track…this is a news item about a Navy Seal’s death and his devoted dog. Nobody has even mentioned that….just bickering over how the flag appears on the coffin. Amazing!!!
I’m sure there were military there to property drape the flag on the casket–I suspect the pastor came forward and incorrectly closed the lid for the service
These photos and article shows the ultimate true love of a pet..especially a dog.! ..
This brought me to tears….what an amazing photograph! Rest in peace and may the Lord take care of your Hawkeye until you both meet again.
I am crying my heart out reading this..Hawkeye..may you have the best life..I’ve not seen anything as heart wrenching as this in years..
May the owner RIP and the dog have a good home even though he will always miss and remember his owner.
Wow! Speechless
You can’t stop looking at this photo. Loyalty and Love are strong bonds.
The love of a dog is endless…beautiful and touching picture
God Bless this Seal and all our troops and their families. As a K-9 handler, I have witnessed this before and it never fails to cry out the love that exists between man and dog.
Unconditional Love,to the end.
God Bless This Navy Seal who gave his life for us so we can be free, His Dog is showing the Love for him and only some one who has a pet could under stand what going through this dogs head it just pure Love
He will always love his Master. This is just so sad.
God Bless them both,
He didnt do it for our freedom.. the wars were not about our freedom no matter what they may tell you… these wars were a power grab for our government. A way for them to take control of US
The Navy SEAL did what he believed was to protect our country, no matter the power plays of our government. Shame on you for pissing on this tribute to a fallen soldier and his companion.
Go crawl back under the rock you came out from. People like you disrespect our military all the time, if it wasn’t for those who defend our country you wouldn’t be able to say and do as you intend here in the United States of America.
Go crawl back under the rock you came out from. People like you disrespect our military all the time, if it wasn’t for those who defend our country you wouldn’t be able to say and do as you intend here in the United States of America.
I hope you get hit by a bus. See how many people show up for your funeral. Respect the deceased you prick.
your an ass . as a wife of a service member i know my husband is doing it for our freedom
You don’t think fighting terrorists is protecting our nation? Do you remember 9/11? You must be the biggest idiot on the face of the earth.
You should REALLY be ashamed. This man died for your right to speak like an idiot-you have the right. I have the right to say you ARE making idiotic statements that have no place here.
A dog’s unconditional loyalty and love for its master often shames us humans for our often fickle affections…
SO SAD.
They say dogs grieve too. They say it is best to let the dog say good-bye so that he does starve himself to death by mourning his loss. So maybe this will help the dog go on also. What a sad pic and story tho. Bless your heart for serving our country so that we may live free and proud..
“so that he does starve himself to death”………….. what?!
It is common for dogs to stop eating when their owner dies
Reminds me Hachiko. Awesome Loyalty.
Reminds me Hachiko. Awesome Loyalty.
Every time I see this I ball my eyes out. Dogs are the best in the whole world
Dogs are so devoted, and give only unconditional love….
It’s lovely to see a dog mourning for his owner very touching it made me cry.
looking at my 4 labs and this picture…all I can do is cry and think what great friends our dogs are….Good Job Hawkeye! Dad is proud of you buddy!!!
Amazing!!!!
Amazing!!!!
Amazing!!!!
My tear’s are flowing for this beautiful and awesome canine , My heart is hurting trememdously for him and the marine’s family. May the good lord help you to find peace and go on till you meet up again . The power of devotion amaze’s me continuously. Bless all soldier’s and there canine soldier’s and the one’s waiting for them to come home.
DOG, MANS BEST FRIEND, LOYAL BEYOND THE GRAVE,ONLY GOES TO SHOW THE MAN HIMSELF.
THE MAN, HONOR,BRAVERY,LOVE OF COUNTRY BEYOND MOST MEN.
THE SEAL,WE WILL NEVER KNOW,HIS TEAM,THIER DUTY,UNTOLD VALOR.
AMERICA’S BEST, R.I.P.WARRIOR, YOU WILL BE MISSED DEARLY
THIS AND OTHER LOSSES BRING TEARS OF SORROW!!!
LETS END THIS WAR WITH A MASSIF WIN OVER TERRORIST
REVENGE IS MINE SAID THE LORD, AND AMERICA
beautiful picture of loyalty, loyalty from the dog for his master and loyalty for a soldier for his counrty. God Bless this special man
This is so touching! God Bless Petty Officer Jon T. Tumilson’s family and Hawkeye. There is nothing stronger in this world than an dog’s loyalty and respect for his owner. I have noted this before – when you spell dog backwards, you’re spelling God…Hawkeye, be safe and always a good boy!
this is almost to much for me to handle dogs and man purest of love on earth omg.this is so sad
THAT’S WHAT YOU CALL TRUE LOYALTY
A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than you love yourself.
~Josh Billings
Check out Grey Friers Bobby (Edinburgh, SCOTLAND), The true companionship of man and his best friend! So many true stories of true faith and this is another of true love and devotion. What a waste of life. What a void left behind but what a lesson on of faith in humble person!
Heart breaking, hopefully his family will look after the pup, dogs are amazing, wish people were more like them.
I heard today that the fallen man’s friend is adopting the dog-God Bless him!
Thank you Navy Seal Tumilson for your bravery and dedication in keeping our country safe. May you rest in peace and GOD speed to the family and friend of this wonderful person who gave his life for us who enjoy our everyday freedoms. What a heart wrenching photo..
A very touching photo. It brings to mind the following quotation:“It’s the best deal man has ever made.” – Margery Facklam (1927- ),referring to the human-canine alliance.
Marine Mom and dog owner, I am just speechless.
This is breaking my heart…as I’m sure the beautiful lab’s is too. Who says animals don’t have feelings.
So beautiful! Just these few images speak volumes! Going for kleenex!
This photo reminds me of my grandpa when he passed away and the dog stays beside his casket too, then 2 days after my grandpa’s funeral the dog passed away for starving himself…so it makes me cry looking at this photo. God Bless and thank you this Navy Seal who really served for our country . May his soul rest in peace and be with our Almighty God…Hawkeye be good and take care always..
Why did I look at this, it made me cry, but I’m glad I did. Such devotion to his best friend, we could all learn from dogs. Brave pair and God bless them both.
This comment thread makes me want to puke
Do you know how disrespectful you are being? If You have nothing nice to say about the story or the pictures then keep your comment to yourself… A man died and his dog is mourning like you would if you had someone close to you die…. This picture shows how much loyalty and love that dog had for his owner… and if you cant take time to acknowledge that and say something nice about it then you must be one of those that dont care.
No reason to be nasty. If you don’t like it, then don’t look at it. No need to ruin the beauty for everyone else.
No reason to be nasty. If you don’t like it, then don’t look at it. No need to ruin the beauty for everyone else.
You must be one lonely, unhappy S.O.B.
God bless you, with peace and understanding.
straight up asshole
There is no greater bond than a dog and his master. This proves the point. May God re-unite them when time comes. Both are heros
Man’s best friend! RIP Jon.
Man’s best friend! RIP Jon.
Man’s best friend! RIP Jon.
Man’s best friend! RIP Jon.
wow…. I had to leave my work desk and go to the ladies room to get myself back together after reading this. What a loyal, loving pet….. absolutely amazing !!!!
Heartbreaking for Hawkeye…:-(
This breaks my heart as a dog owner and former marine.
it breaks my heart to see this thankyou for your service and thanks the dog for loving him so much SAD
The dog draped the flag. Wrong or not I’m surpriised he didn’t lay on top of the casket.
i dnt know any one in my life nor myself to ever experience a friendship like that nor will i ever the way i see it is they were made for each other till the end prob the most amazing picture iv ever seen to actually put the meaning to loyalty in a single picture and just goes to show .. a picture is worth a 1000 words at the same time leave you speechless and just overwhelmed to have a bond that close…simply amazing
There are no words to express this moment. God bless both bless both of them,and peace and understanding to the family.
God bless this soldier, his family (including the precious dog) and all of us who have experienced the feelings this photo invoked.