Honor Guard

by George Cox

Thru rain or sleet or heat or snow,

the American Legion Honor Guard will go.

To perform their duties on command,

to honor all of those who defended this land.

Their gesture of good deeds for the family bereaved

will bring comfort and closure to what they have achieved.

tries to ensure those who served their country

receive the tribute they deserve.

"Read, Aim, FIRE!"

shouts the Sergeant-At-Arms of the Honor Guard conducting Military Honors.

Three times, a volley of shots ring through the graveyard.

A veteran has died, and his comrades-in-arms are saluting him with

MILITARY HONORS one last time.

For the Honor Guard from American Legion Post 217 in Topton, PA,

the graveside ritual has become increasingly common as veterans die.

In 2020:

Ray A. Master Post 217 Honor Guard

presented 78 Military Honor burials.

Military Honors for Deceased Veterans

Ray A. Master Post 217 Honor Guard

The "Final Salute" rendered by the Honor Guard

is a reverent and solemn service to bid farewell to our departed comrade.

It is our honor and duty to provide a "Final Salute" military send-off

for a deserving veteran that offered his/her life for our country.

The "Final Salute" consists of:

The firing of three volleys of rifles,

The playing of "TAPS",

The folding of the USA flag and presentation to the next of kin.

EACH VETERAN or VETERAN'S FAMILY HAS THE RESPONSIBILITY

TO NOTIFY THE FUNERAL DIRECTOR AND

REQUEST THIS SERVICE FOR THE VETERAN.

The funeral director will then notify the appropriate branch of the military

and/or the Post 217 Honor Guard to render the "Final Salute".

Let us not forget what these veterans did to preserve our freedom.

Let us give them the "Military Honors" burial they deserve.

American Legion, Ray A. Master Post 217, Inc.

American Legion Post 217 Honor Guard

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