Richland Post 548 "Honor Guard"
MILITARY FUNERAL HONORS FOR VETERANS
in 2000, Congress legislated that, upon request of the next of kin, all eligible veterans must receive military funeral honors when they pass on. At a minimum, the funeral honors will consist of a two-person uniformed military detail, with at least one member representing the service branch of the deceased.
The legislation also encourages veterans service organizations, including The American Legion, to augment the honors detail as an authorized provider with pallbearers, firing party, bugler and color guard.
The American Legion has performed tens of thousands of burial ceremonies for veterans’ families throughout its history; this will not change.
Whenever The American Legion is assisting the U.S. government, it should conform to DoD’s methods of conduct. in working together, we honor, in the highest traditions of U.S. military service, those who have gone before. in doing so, all the requirements for a reverent, respectful and dignified ceremony are met.
The individual military services will provide training to an authorized provider assisting with the ceremony, including positioning, timing, safety and proper funeral honors protocol.
All eligible veterans, including military retirees, are entitled to military funeral honors. At a minimum, the funeral honors ceremony will consist of the playing of taps and the folding and presentation of the U.S. flag. At least two uniformed military personnel shall perform the ceremony. if a bugler is not available, an electronic recording will be played. One of the uniformed military personnel will be from the deceased veteran’s parent military service and will present the flag to the next of kin.
The detail leader will coordinate all arrangements with the funeral director, other member(s) of the military honors detail, and authorized providers, such as The American Legion. He or she will ensure the funeral director explains military honors to the family, and that they understand the honors to be performed. it is especially important the family know about the firing of three volleys, if a firing party is present. Additional military funeral honors elements should be in accordance with the family’s wishes.