Jim Rodgers - I know just how you feel. Same thing happens to me. I didn't realize that the answers to my question was not showing on the lists - so....... here goes. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~`` My questions was: > At a military funeral (also Pres.) why are the boots placed backwards in > the saddle on the horse? Following are answers I received (without the writers' names) - since I didn't ask permission. 1) Your answer may possibly be found at: http://www.arlingtoncemetery.com/fullhono.htm It talks about a major general being buried and states: In one stirrup will be a cavalry boot, turned backward - an indication the retired Army major general will never ride again. 2) In answer to your question about why the boots are placed backwards in the saddle on the horse at a military funeral. This is to signify their last ride. 3) There is a infomercial about military funerals that plays from time to time and I pay extra special attention. You might try and see if there is an Arlington Cemetery site that might explain it. I'm pretty sure it is to symbolize the Fallen Comrade. 4)It's from way back in Cavalry (horse soldiers) days - the books are 'faced' that way because the person will never again put those boots on for battle - his battle is done. When uniforms/boots were 'set up' so a cavalry soldier could 'jump into them' for battle, they faced forward since the soldier was going "forward into battle". 5) A horse lead with the boots in the stirrups backwards is the equivalent to the Air Forces missing man formation. The boots are backwards to signify the missing rider/leader. It is typically reserved for those of a high office. You might notice that it is not only used at a Presidential funeral but it is also commonly used in a Police Officers funeral when the Officer was killed in action. Thanks again to all who contributed, Arline