THE MONROE COUNTY AMERICAN LEGION HONOR GUARD

This is to raise awareness to the full Military Honors Funeral Services provided by the Monroe County American Legion Honor Guard. The "Final Salute" rendered by the Honor Guard is a reverent and solemn service to bid farewell to our departed comrade.
Too often a veteran is not given a "Final Salute" because the family wasn't aware that such a service existed. It is our job to make known to all veteran families that we are here to serve our departed. It is our honor and duty to provide a military send-off for a deserving veteran that offered his/her life for the good of the country.
The "Final Salute" consists of a prayer, the firing of the rifles, the sounding of taps, the folding and presenting of the American Flag under which this veteran served. A poppy is then placed on the urn or casket signifying this veteran will not be forgotten. A salute is executed with a blessing that the veteran "Rest in Peace."
EACH VETERAN FAMILY HAS THE RESPONSIBILITY TO NOTIFY THE FUNERAL DIRECTOR and request this service for their deceased veteran. Not all funeral directors ask if the deceased was a veteran, consequently the veteran is laid to rest without the deserved "Final Salute." Let us not forget what these veterans did to preserve our freedom. Let us give them the Military Honors Burial they deserve.

In Comradeship and service,
Harold Patrone
Commander Monroe County
American Legion Honor Guard.