Honor Guard
Providing dignified military honors for our Veterans & community events
Honor Guard Leaderhsip & Team
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The Post has maintained a Firing Squad / Honor Guard for as long as anyone can remember, proudly continuing a long tradition of honoring Veterans with dignity and respect.
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The Firing Squad currently consists of 16 members, a decrease from previous years when membership regularly exceeded 20 individuals. This reduction is largely the result of age‑related retirements, along with a few members who are now less active due to living out of town or conflicting work schedules. Despite the smaller roster, the squad continues to meet its ceremonial obligations, though additional active members would help strengthen availability and ensure long‑term continuity.
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The squad is well equipped to perform its duties, maintaining an inventory of 15 rifles, including 12 M1 rifles, two chrome ceremonial 1903 Springfields, and one standard 1903 Springfield. Funeral and ceremonial services are supported by an electronic bugle with a backup insert, along with a full set of colors consisting of the American Flag, POW Flag, and Post Colors. The Post provides complete uniforms for participating members, including dress pants, shirts, Ike jackets, overcoats, caps, gloves, and pistol belts, ensuring a consistent, professional, and respectful appearance at all events.
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Eligibility
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Membership in the Firing Squad / Honor Guard is open to current Post members who are willing and able to actively participate in ceremonial duties. Because the squad provides essential honors for Veterans and the community, members must be dependable, respectful, and able to commit the necessary time to training and events.
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The squad has a particular need for members who have flexible schedules, as services are often conducted during weekdays and business hours. Retired members frequently meet this requirement and are strongly encouraged to consider joining. At the same time, the squad actively welcomes younger members, especially those interested in marching in parades and participating in community events, with the hope that they will become increasingly active as their availability grows.
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No personal equipment is required to join. The Post provides all necessary uniforms and ceremonial equipment, and training is provided to ensure members are prepared to perform their duties with professionalism and dignity. New members play a vital role in preserving a long‑standing tradition of honoring Veterans. Those interested in joining or learning more are encouraged to speak with the Squad Commander or Assistant Commanders.​
Military Funeral Honors
The Firing Squad / Honor Guard provides Military Funeral Honors to eligible Veterans in accordance with federal and military guidelines. Every deceased Veteran is entitled to funeral honors that include a minimum of two active‑duty personnel, one of whom must represent the branch of service in which the Veteran served. These personnel are responsible for the folding and presentation of the U.S. flag to the next of kin and the sounding of Taps.
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Our squad typically supplies the Bugler, allowing the active‑duty detail to focus fully on the flag‑folding and presentation. For full honors, the squad prefers to field one Commander, seven riflemen, and one Bugler, though ceremonies may be conducted with a minimum of three riflemen and no more than eight riflemen, depending on availability and the wishes of the family.
Rifle Volley
The rifle salute performed during funeral honors is often misunderstood. What the squad performs is not a 21‑gun salute, which is reserved for artillery cannons. Instead, the squad renders a three‑round rifle volley. This tradition dates back to early battlefield practices, when opposing forces would pause fighting to recover their dead and wounded; once completed, each side fired three rounds into the air to signal readiness to resume battle. The rifle volley is optional and is performed at the family’s request or as part of complete funeral honors.
Funeral Requests
Service requests are best initiated through the funeral home, which will coordinate arrangements with our squad, the State Department of Military Affairs (if requested), and the procurement of the U.S. flag. To obtain the flag from the Post Office, a DD‑214 is generally required.
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It is important for Veterans to make their wishes known in advance and to keep their service records and DD‑214 in a location where survivors can easily locate them. The squad may also be contacted directly through Steve, Olly, or Kirk. However, the family is responsible for obtaining the U.S. flag and ensuring it is present at the service.
Other Services
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Color Guard Services
The Honor Guard provides Color Guard services for a wide range of public and community events, including ball games, dedications, memorials, and other special occasions. A standard Color Guard detail consists of three flag bearers, two riflemen serving as guards for the colors, and a Commander. These presentations are conducted with precision and respect, reinforcing the significance of the colors and the values they represent.
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Parades & Ceremonial Marches
The Firing Squad / Honor Guard participates in parades and ceremonial marches, representing the Post and honoring Veterans in public settings. These appearances provide a visible reminder of military service and tradition and are an important part of the squad’s outreach to the community.
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Flag Folding Ceremonies & Demonstrations
The squad performs Flag Folding Ceremonies both as part of funeral honors and as standalone educational demonstrations. These ceremonies include a Reader, three flag folders, and a Bugler. In demonstration settings, the squad explains how the flag is folded and the meaning of each fold, offering insight into the history, symbolism, and respect accorded to the U.S. flag. These services are often requested for civic groups, schools, and community events.
Donations & Funding
Donations to the Firing Squad / Honor Guard are received primarily through the performance of Funeral Honors. These funds are used to cover essential expenses, including uniform supplies, equipment maintenance, and other operational costs necessary to support squad activities.
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In addition to sustaining its own operations, the squad proudly gives back to the community and Veteran causes. Past donations have supported the Memorial Wall, Heroes for Heroes, Wreaths Across America, and other related organizations that honor and support Veterans and their families.