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Military ServicesA Final Salute To Our Fallen VeteransThe rendering of Military Funeral Honors is a ceremony representing the Nation's deep gratitude to those, in times of war and peace, who have faithfully defended our country. This ceremonial paying of respect is the final demonstration to a grateful nation can provide to our veteran's family. Every veteran whether they are Soldiers, Salors, Marines, Airmen, or Coast Gaurdsmen are entitled to Military funeral Honors performed by uniformed members of the Armed Forces. The Washington Army National Guard's Honor Guard is a direct representative of the United States Military and is highly qualified and certified to perform proper Military Funeral Honors.
A Debt Of GratitudeIn january, 2000, Congress decreed that any military member retired, active or reservist is entitled to Military Funeral Honors at the request of the family, at no cost!
Requesting HonorsIf the family of a deceased veteran would like to request Military Funeral Honors for their loved one, the following steps should be taken to expedite the request. If there is a funeral director involved in the planning and preparation, the director should be provided with proper documentation recognizing the loved one's military service. Any of the following documents are acceptable:
Funeral directors should call the Headquarters' office for Washington's Honor Guard Program where it will be processed and assigned to the Military Funeral Honors team assigned to the requested area. If a funeral director is not being used, a family member can contact the National Guard directly. They will guide you through the process.
Military Funeral HonorsMilitary Funeral Honors have always been provided whenever possible. However, the law now mandates the rendering of Military Funeral Honors for an eligible veteran if requested by the family. As provided by law, an honor guard detail for the burial of an eligible veteran if requested by the family. As provided by law, an honor guard detail for thburial of an eligible veteran shall consist of not less than two members of the Armed Forces. One member of the detail shall be a representative of the parent Service of the deceased beteran. The nonor detail will, at a minimum, perform a cermony that includes the folding and presenting of the American Flag to the next of kin and the playing of Taps. Taps will be played by a bugler, if available, or by electronic recording. Today, there are so few qualified live buglers available that the Military Services often cannot provide one.
EligibilityMilitary members on active duty or in the Selected Reserve. Former military members who served on active duty and departed under conditions other than dishonorble. Former military members who completed at least one term of enlistment or period of initial obligated service in the Selected Reserve and departed under conditions other than dishonorable. Former military members discharged from the Selected Reserve due to a disability incurred or aggravated in the line of duty.
Who Are The Washington Army National Guard Honor GuardWe are Citizen Soldiers proud t oserve our community, state and country. We are direct representatives of the United States Army and have been authorized by the Department of Devense to provide honors for all eligible veterans. We are active duty uniformed soldiers who have been tasked to provide honors to all branches of the Armed Forces; Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force and Coast Guard. Please do not hesitate in requesting our services for any and all veterans; they are all entitled to a professionally executed farewell from a grateful nation.
Veteran Service OrganizationsLocal Veterans Service Organizations (VsO), such as Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion posts, have open offers to provide firing parties, chaplains, and aditional veteran support for any services when requested .We frequently work in conjunction with local VSOs to further demonstrate the gratitude of our nation and community support for our deceased veterans and their families.
Rendering TapsOf all the military bugle calls, none is os easily recognized or mor apt to endder emotion than the call Taps. The melody is both eloquent and haunting, while the history of its origin is interesting and somewhat clouded in controversy. In the British army, a similar type of signal called Last Post has been sounded over soldiers' graves since 1885, but the use of Taps is unique t othe United States military, since the call is sounded at funerals, wreath-laying ceremonies, and memorial services. A bugle call that beckons us to remember patriots who served our country with honor and valor, it is the most familiar call and one that moves all who hear it.
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