American Legion Post 20
VFW Post 6423
We are the oldest American Legion/VFW Honor Guard
in the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
We've been serving for over 50 years
The Purpose of the Elsmere Honor Guard is to provide Military Honors For Deceased Honorably Discharged Veterans, and to participate In Veterans Day, Flag Day Ceremonies And Other Holidays and Special Occasions.
You can contact the Elsmere Honor Guard
at (859) 308-2275
Coordinators Al Collins/Les Daulton
Current Honor Guard Members
George Briggs, Don Cassidy, Max Cloar, Al Collins,
Boyd Coots, Les Daulton, Kevin Dowell, Rick Grinnell,
Jack Heist, Ralph Huser, Shawna Karnes,
Randall McComas, Ernie Moscoe, Bob Osterhage,
Tommy Selm, Bill Sharp, Joe Spahn, Fred Spanier, Mike Sutterfield
"We have a funeral”
These words set in motion actions that will culminate in the honoring of yet another veteran who proudly answered the call of his/her nation to serve their country and now has answered the call of our Heavenly Father.
As the flag draped casket comes into view, the OD, riflemen, chaplain and bugler assume their positions.
The family and friends gather at the gravesite, and the OD calls the detail to Attention and Present Arms as the flag-draped coffin is removed from the hearse and positioned by the pallbearers. The OD then calls the detail to Order Arms and to Parade Rest. The chaplain says a prayer, then the OD calls the rifle squad to Attention, followed by Port Arms, Ready, and three times to the commands of Aim, Fire the volleys are fired over the gravesite. The detail is called to Present Arms followed by the haunting sound of Taps. When the last notes of Taps fade away, the OD calls the detail to Order Arms while the flag is folded.
The flag is presented to the next of kin with words of thanks from a grateful nation. Our chaplain presents a plaque to the next of kin containing 3 of the spent shells symbolizing that the veteran received full militaty honors at his/her burial. The remaining spent shell casings are given to the next of kin.
