Rockwall, TX (June 3, 2024) – I recently attended a funeral where friends and family gave their respect to a fallen friend and family member. While there, I wondered if any of the participants had ever been part of a funeral for a military person?
The rendering of military funeral honors is a way to show the nations deep gratitude to those who have faithfully defended our country in times of peace and war.
For those in the military, this is our way of paying last respects to a fallen comrade.
Heavy with tradition and following a well-prescribed procedure, the final ceremony is the Soldier’s final honor. The military funeral will include the services of a military chaplain and an honor guard.
The deceased’s coffin will be draped with a United States flag. Sometimes the coffin is transported by way of a horse-drawn caisson, but in most funerals the coffin is brought in a hearse.
It is carried from the vehicle to the grave site by the honor guard.
After the military chaplain or civilian minister conducts the grave site service, a three-volley salute is fired by the honor guard. “Taps” is played on a bugle located away from the grave site.
The flag covering the coffin is then folded by the honor guard and presented to the next of kin with these words. “As a representative of the United States Army, it is my high privilege to present you this flag. Let it be a symbol of the grateful appreciation this nation feels for the distinguished service rendered to our country and our flag by your loved one.”
In addition to the formal funeral, quite often when a Soldier is killed in action, a memorial service is held by his unit. You may have seen these ceremonies on the evening news or in the newspaper.
Most Soldiers killed in battle are honored by their unit with a ceremony where the “Soldiers Cross” represents the absent service member.
A pair of combat boots forms the base of the cross with an AR-15, with its bayonet attached, is driven into the ground right beside the boots. The dog tags of the fallen Soldier are draped over the pistol grip of the weapon and the Soldiers helmet is placed on top of the stock of the rifle.
At the conclusion of the memorial service, each member of the unit who was able to attend has an opportunity to personally honor his fallen comrade.
Some salute at the Soldiers Cross, some pray, and some do a combination of the two.
As General George Washington said, “My first wish would be that my military family, and the whole Army, should consider themselves as a band of brothers, willing and ready to die for each other.”
And this is the way we Soldiers, and members of the other military services, say goodbye to our brothers and sisters in arms.
If you have the opportunity to visit the Veterans Memorial adjacent to the new Rockwall County Courthouse, you will see “Service Crosses” representing battles from World War I to the present. Please take time to visit this facility and thank those men and women who have fought and died for our Republic of the United States of America!
Jerry Hogan is a retired US Army Lieutenant Colonel and former Rockwall County Judge who volunteers to write this column. He can be reached at 214-394-4033 or jerryhogan@sbcglobal.net
A Broad View by Jerry Hogan: The Final Act of Respect for Fallen Comrades added by Melanie M on
View all posts by Melanie M →