VETERANS MEMORIAL POST 347 HONOR GUARD

     The Veterans Memorial Post 347 Honor Guard was formed on September 25, 1995 by Post Veterans who had been members of another honor guard in our area.  Their mission was to provide Military Honors for members of Post 347, when requested by the family.

     The Post Commander has authorized additional assignments.  Ex:  a)The Posting of Colors at the general membership meeting each month and at the Induction of new and transfer members ceremonies.  b)Participation in community parades.  c)The Presentation of Colors at various sporting events.  d)Representing the Post at Memorial Services throughout the area.

     The Honor Guard meets on the first Wednesday of each month for practice and then a business meeting.  No member will ever be asked to perform an assignment that he feels uncomfortable with or one that he has not been trained to perform.  Practice would consist of firing the M-1 rifle or  the folding of the American Flag or the Posting of Colors and the protocols that go along with these assignments.  

      Push-ups and KP are not used as training incentives…

     Military Honors has been defined as “The folding of the flag and the playing of TAPS.”  The service provided by the Honor Guard adds much more:

     Introduction of the Chaplain by the Commander, the Chaplain’s prayer and a formal address by the Commander.  Then there is a reading and presentation of a poem, the presentation of a Bible and the folding of the American Flag.  That is followed by the firing of three volleys by seven riflemen and then the playing of TAPS.   When available a piper from the Sounds of Scotland Pipes and Drums band plays “Going Home” and “Amazing Grace” at intervals during the presentation.

     Connie Marx is the Piper from the pipe & drum band. 

Seven members are on an inactive list due to medical circumstances.

Pete Carston, Commander  (352)  750-9361