Post 1716 Honor Guard

'Why We Fire Rifle Volleys Over The Grave'

2008-Jan-6 at 08:09

by DD

The practice of firing three rifle volleys over the grave originated in the old custom of halting the fighting to remove the dead from the battlefield. Once each army had cleared their dead, it would fire three volleys to indicate that the dead had been cared for and that they were ready to fight again. The fact that a full firing party consists of seven riflemen, firing these volleys does not constitute a 21-gun-salute. It is the three volleys that are significant, not the number of rifles. Three volleys fired over the casket have become a tradition to mean the dead have been cared for. It has evolved into a military salute for the deceased serving their country. Firing the three volleys over the casket is one of the highest honors to give a deceased military veteran. Our nationÕs highest honor is a flag draped over the casket, folded and presented. It was tradition to place three spent shell casings inside the folded flag to prove now and forevermore that the deceased and his flag have had proper military honors. Nothing else is to be placed inside the flag.

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Veterans Day

2007-Nov-12 at 09:35

by DD

The day began with rain and prevented setting out our Ave of Flags along Freedom Blvd. But before 9 am the sun broke through and the Honor Guard visited Memorial and Patriotic sites throughout the Watsonville area. With our bugle we played "Call to Colors" said a prayer, fired three ceremony rifle volleys with our M-1 Garands, and played Taps at flag poles and memorials. We started at our Post, then to the Vietnam Memorial (presented by our own VFW) at Pinto County Lake Park, then to the Nisei Memorial Flag Pole on Freedom Blvd, and onward to the War memorial on the corner of Freedom and Main, and onward to the Plaza. We then rested up and some of our team chose to participate in the Watsonville Veterans Day Parade. We all met up again at the Veterans Memorial Building. The Veterans Day Program put on by our VFW and American Legion Post 121 with support of the city, police cadets, sea cadets, and others. At the close of the program we fired 3 rifle volleys and our friend Tony Rojas played Taps on his bugle. Our ladies prepared a delicious lunch for all our guests and members returning from the parade and program at the Vets Memorial building Our Veterans Day Celebration only happens with the coordination and support of the American Legion Post 121 and Auxiliary, Watsonville Police Department, City leaders, Parks and Recreation Dept, and lots of supporters and volunteers.

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Our Mission

2007-Nov-5 at 05:24

by DD

Our primary mission is Honoring Those Who Served. The rendering of Military Funeral Honors is a way to show the Nation's deep gratitude to those who, in times of war and peace, have faithfully defended our country. This ceremonial paying of respect is the final demonstration a grateful Nation can provide to its veterans families. Members of this Honor Guard have been honoring fallen veterans for over fifteen years, like their fallen honor guard comrades before them. For years this Honor Guard remained and continues to be the only established veterans honor guard within the county of Santa Cruz. We have traveled as far north as San Bruno, east to Hollister, and south to Pacific Grove. Beginning in January 2007, this Honor Guard became a member of The Authorized Provider Partnership Program (AP3) established by the Department of Defense (DoD) for the benefit of US Military Commanders who have the responsibility of providing Military Funeral Honors to active duty Soldiers, retirees, and veterans. Our primary duty is to assist the Military Funeral Honors Team and provide the Firing Party. VFW Post 1716 Honor Guards secondary mission extends to Presenting the Colors at the VFW, welcoming dignitaries to the VFW, marching in parades, teaching students how to fold the flag, presenting the colors, firing salutes, and participating in school, scouting, and community patriotic ceremonies and assemblies, and honoring our veterans on patriotic holidays throughout the county of Santa Cruz. This Honor Guard does not and has never charged for any services it performs. This Honor Guard is not financially supported by its Post. The Honor Guard team relies on itself and donations for its' continued operations. Over the years this Honor Guard has been recognized for its community service and Americanism. The members are all dedicated volunteers, For what we do, comes from the heart. This is the motto of our Honor Guard.

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VA Burial Benefits Update

2007-Nov-4 at 04:48

by DD

On 2 NOV the Senate passed H.R. 797, the Dr. James Allen Veteran Vision Equity Act. H.R. 797, introduced by Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), which was modified in the Senate to include four additional provisions for burial and memorial benefits. Senator Daniel K. Akaka (D-HI), Chairman of the Veterans' Affairs Committee authored S. 1163, the Senate companion to H.R. 797. This legislation: 1. Permanently authorizes VA to provide government headstones or markers for the privately-marked graves of veterans interred at private cemeteries. Current law authorizes VA to furnish, upon request, an appropriate headstone or marker for the grave of an eligible individual who died after 10 SEP 01, and who is buried in a private cemetery, notwithstanding that the grave is marked by a headstone or marker furnished at private expense. Thus, in some cases, an individual's grave may have two markers--one privately-purchased and one furnished by VA. Prior to 2001, this authority had been suspended for eleven years, making those who died between 1 NOV 90 and 10 SEP 01 ineligible for the benefit. Furthermore, the current authority is only temporary, set to expire on 31 DEC 07. This bill would address these temporal constraints by eliminating the sunset and making the authority permanent, and by making the authority retroactive to cover the eleven-year gap in current law. 2. Instructs VA to design a medallion or other device to signify a decedent's veteran status, to be placed on a privately purchased headstone or marker, as an alternative to a government furnished headstone or marker. 3. Extends the current two-year window for States to be reimbursed for the unclaimed remains of veterans. To assist States in meeting some or all of its cemetery operations and maintenance expenses, current law requires VA to pay to States a $300 plot allowance for the interment or inurnment of eligible veterans and reserve component members. 4. Authorizes $5 million for operational and maintenance expenses at state cemeteries.

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We perpetuate the memory and history of our dead, and assist their widows and orphans; ...

2007-Nov-1 at 03:11

by DD

The Captain of our team receives requests for services routinely, but none are routine. The Captain coordinates closely with the military, funeral directors, cemetery directors, and families. Far too many times family members from outside our county and state are not counseled properly regarding what entitlements are available upon the death of a veteran. This is what we did for Mrs. Janet Hagstrand of Arizona. Her husband Jon donated parts his body to medical science and after was cremated. There was no funeral director involved. Capt. K counseled Janet regarding entitlements and how to attain them. Janet got Jon's flag in Arizona, visited the county veterans service officer, and flew out to California. Janet contacted the US Navy to schedule their scattering her husbandÕs ashes, got the necessary death certificates and DD Form 214, and submitted her requests for a VA memorial plaque and Presidential Memorial Certificates. Memorial services were planned to be at a beach vacation house. The Capt. got Jon's obituary published in the Sentinel newspaper, coordinated the Army to perform funeral honors, the participation of Patriot Guard Riders, and the participation of our team to fire 3 volleys. The services were held in the front yard along E. Cliff Drive and 35th in Pleasure Point of Santa Cruz along the ocean. The Army ceremoniously marched in carrying Jon's urn and folded flag, They placed them down on a table next to his picture. The the Patriot Guards following behind carrying 4x6 US flags that fluttered in the ocean breeze and positioned themselves in a line along the roadway as security. Capt K officiated the memorial services as Chaplain. The State ARNG funeral team unfolded and refolded the flag. Sal Betran directed the team in firing of three ceremonial volleys and it sounded excellent. A passerby got out of his van stopping all traic on E. Cliff Drive and saluted during the playing of taps [live] by the Army. It could not of been planned better or more beautiful. Following the service, Janet Hagstrand and her family thanked and welcomed everyone to a barbecue in the backyard to celebrate her husbandÕs life. We had cheeseburgers, dogs, dip, salad and drinks. It was great visiting with the family, SFC Beltram of the ARNG, and members of the Patriot Guard with their motorcycles. This was the first time the Patriot Guard was part of a service we participated in and their presence was the icing to the cake.

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Aromas Elementary School Veterans Day Program

2007-Nov-1 at 01:13

by DD

Just before Veterans Day every year, the students put on a program to honor and recognize all veterans. They ask for our Honor Guard to participate by Presenting the Colors and Retiring them at the end of the program. In the beginning years ago we had two flag bearers and two riflemen present the colors. In compliance with the prohibition of firearms on schools, we use the POW-MIA flag and VFW Post Banner with the State and National Colors. We now have Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts assist us and be the flag bearers. We give them some instruction and with an honor guard member at each end of the squad, the children do a great job of posting and retrieving the colors. With children and adults playing musical instruments, the children of each grade perform on stage with song, skits and dance for all their parents and friends in the audience. The finale is the singing of the songs of the five branches of the military and presenting each veteran and service member present an award or collection of drawing from the children thanking them for their service. After the program all the parents and visitors are invited for coffee and pastry. Sadly, patriotic program as this is something missing from many of our childrens schools today. We have been asked and will be returning Tuesday 7 November to participate in Aromas Elementary Schools Veterans Day Program. Please join us!

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Spent 30 Cal Brass Ammo Casings

2007-Sep-15 at 05:22

by DD

When we fire our M-1 rifles, the brass flies through the air and twinkles on the road or hides itself in the grass and flowers. We always police up our brass for safety reasons. We don't want children playing with them, someone slipping and falling by stepping on one, nor a lawnmower picking one up and ejecting it as a projectile. It is our policy that when performing military honors, the brass is not collected until after the flag has been presented to the family. All brass is placed in a small zip lock bag and presented to the family as a memento of this service by the honor guard Captain or lieutenant. We suggest to the family that they may wish to polish and engrave the loved ones name and date upon them and make them a special gift for someone special or place them in a shadowbox.

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~ D E A T H ~ What a wonderful way to explain it

2007-Sep-11 at 10:56

by DD

A sick man turned to his doctor, as he was preparing to leave the examination room and said, "Doctor, I am afraid to die. Tell me what lies on the other side." Very quietly, the doctor said, "I don't know." "You don't know? You, a Christian man, do not know what is on the other side?" The doctor was holding the handle of the door; on the other side came a sound of scratching and whining, and as he opened the door, a dog sprang into the room and leaped on him with an eager show of gladness. Turning to the patient, the doctor said, "Did you notice my dog? He's never been in this room before. He didn't know what was inside. He knew nothing except that his master was here, and when the door opened, he sprang in without fear. I know little of what is on the other side of death, but I do know one thing... I know my Master is there and that is enough."

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Active Duty Military Funeral Detail was AWOL.

2007-Aug-28 at 02:10

by DD

Our Honor Guard prepares for the unexpected and extemporizes for the unexpected. I remember attending the graveside services of a long time friend in Watsonville. I personally made the request and received a confirmation for a funeral honors detail with the Casualty Memorial Office at DLI on the Presidio of Monterey (POM). The honor guard, family and friends waited patiently for the services to begin, but the Army detail was nowhere to be found. So with the consent of the family, the Honor Guard took action. Upon the silent signal of the minister, the rifle team fired three ceremonial volleys, taps sounded from a bugle, and a rifleman grounded his weapon. He and Capt K ceremoniously walked to the flag covered casket, performed a slow salute and folded the flag. Capt K presented the flag to the widow and after the brass casings from the firing. Capt K called Mr. Brooks of the DLI Casualty Memorial Office and asked for an explanation. Capt K was informed the NCO of the detail was briefed of two services and the NCO just forgot. Mr. Brooks assured Capt K that the SGT would be counseled and that this would never happen again. He thanked the Honor Guard for being present at the services and picking up the details responsibilities. Many if not all of the DLI POM NCOs and the detail members are language students who receive little training or practice in performing military funeral honors. Because of this screw-up among other reasons, the mortuaries of our county have chosen to use the military honors details from the California State Guard as their first choice. Capt K agrees. They are excellent in their duties and true professionals.

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* Eternal Pride and Dedication *

2007-Aug-27 at 04:19

by DD

Over the years many of our guard members have passed away and chose to be laid to rest in their VFW Honor Guard uniform. They include Capt. Billy Culbert, Hap Sonora, Santana Nobel, Rusty Eddy, Bill Kleinsmith, Capt. Nels Mangan, Chap. Bob Bunnell, Domingo Galvin, and Matias (Chief) Soto. The other members of our Honor Guard who have passed on are Jim Gwenn and Leonard Adams. God bless them all.

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The Honor Guard Needs You!

2007-Aug-27 at 12:51

by DD

This Honor Guard is looking for a few dedicated men and women, including Auxiliary who would like to join its ranks. Having the ability or strength to handle or carry a rifle is not necessary. We have positions and a need for flag bearers, flag folders, among other positions. We do more than just funerals. One does not have to be retired to participate and be a member of the team or have a vehicle. We have functions various days of the week and receive requests with least a 48 hour notice. Are You Up To The Challenge? If your interested leave a comment or contact Capt. K.

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History of our Honor Guard

2007-Aug-26 at 04:28

by DD

This Honor Guard has changed its sponsor or name twice and continues to be a solid team dedicated to honoring those who served. The origin of our VFW Honor Guard began in Santa Cruz at Tres Pueblos Post 7263 in the mid 1960s. The first Captain was Billy Culbert and member Bud Decker designed the uniform we wear today which other units have copied. Bob Bunnell was the Chaplain and also a rifleman of the Honor Guard. The Honor Guard did not receive any financial support from the Post. It raised operating capital from hot dog sales on Independence Day at Harvey West Park and the donations it got for its services. It had over a thousand dollars in its separate account in the quartermaster book. At one time the Post leadership attempted to control and dictate to the Honor Guard Captain (Chairman) who they would or would not provide honors to. Then one dark day against the objections of the Captain and the honor guard members, the Post leadership decided to confiscate the honor guardÕs funds to pay the bills of the Post. Knowing their home Post leadership did not respect, support or appreciate them, in the 1980s the Honor Guard members unamously voted and went before the Santa Cruz-San Benito County Council. The County Council represented eight VFW Posts in three counties and held its meetings at Freedom Post 1716. Then Captain Bud Decker asked the council to sponsor an Honor Guard. A motion was made and it was asked what liabilities and assets the Honor Guard had. The answer was none. The motion passed and the Honor Guard became the SC-SB Council Honor Guard. This change allowed all members of all post within the council eligible to participate with the Honor Guard. The Honor Guard immediately held a dinner dance fundraiser and raised over $1,900 that was placed in a separate line item within the Quartermasters Book. The honor guard requested and obtained its own M-1 rifles from the Army and paid to have them modified to fire only blank ammunition. Over the years the size of the Honor Guard increased to sixteen representing all wars and all five branches of service. They were made up from three posts; 7263 Tres Pueblos, 1716 Freedom and one member from Gilroy Post. The Honor Guard divided itself into two teams, one for North County (Santa Cruz area) and the other for the Watsonville area (South County). This allowed the honor guard to perform two services at once. The Honor Guard still had 4th of July hot dog sales and held prime rib dinner dances annually at Freedom Post to raise funds. Over the years the Honor Guard raised and had over $4,000.00 in savings. The council, being too lazy to hold any of its own fundraisers illegally transferred $300 of Honor Guard funds into their Council General Account to pay bills. This was against the objections of the Quartermaster and members of the Honor Guard. Inquiries to VFW National verified that restricted honor guard accounts were authorized and the council was prohibited from taking any additional money. Over time and being unable to seize additional honor guard funds, many Council members turned against the honor guard and tied their hands in the spending of its money. This resulted in an article being printed in the December 2001 Post 1716 Scuttlebutt Rumors Newsletter; Ò OUR APOLOGY The SC-SB County Council VFW Honor Guard is proud of itsÕ reputation and recognition its received for its accomplishments in Americanism and Community Service. Fourteen of its seventeen members belong to Freedom Post 1716. There is no other Honor Guard or Color Guard within Santa Cruz County with the exception of law enforcement and fire fighters. For over 20 years it has performed its primary role in providing military honors for our fellow veterans. In addition, the Guard provides patriotic instruction to scouts and school children, annually participates in the recognition and commemoration of patriotic programs to include school, city, county and state programs honoring veterans and patriotism. Because of the Attack on America and the Honor Guards current finances being more than adequate, the members of the Guard chose to donate 100% of their net proceeds of this FebruaryÕs upcoming Annual Honor Guard Dinner Dance Fund Raiser to the VFWÕs Disaster Fund with a projection of over $2,000. Unfortunately, as County Council Cmdr - Dewey Rayburn of Post 10110 made the deciding vote against the Honor GuardÕs motion and the Honor Guards wish to support the disaster fund. A second motion was made to spend $500 from Honor Guard funds to purchase fifty American Flag porch sets @ $7.50 each, VFW flag Etiquette books and two gross small American flags. Flags are not sold but given away by members of the Honor Guard at schools, parades, patriotic assemblies and ceremonies, and as appreciation gifts to Scouts, volunteers, teachers, firefighter and law enforcement. The final supply of flags the Guard purchased approximately 2 years ago was exhausted due to the requests following the September 11 attack. Even though Post 1716 strongly supports the efforts of the Honor Guard and every Post within the Council receives credit for what the Honor Guard does, the motion failed. The County Council CmdrÕs Chief of Staff and Past Dist 12 Commander - Terry Reeder stated ÒI donÕt think the Honor Guard should be giving flags awayÓ. Since none of the Council officers, with the exception of Post 1716, have ever assisted with the planning or labor of the Honor Guards fundraisers, the Honor Guard has chosen to cancel its plans for its February 2002 Dinner Dance. We find it disappointing that we will be unable to contribute and support your VFW Disaster Fund, Americanism, Community Activities, and Youth Activities Programs as we had hoped and planned. However, we shall continue to perform our duties as an Honor Guard with the limitations placed on us, for ÒWhat we do, Comes from the heartÓ - - Joe Kleinsmith, Past Cmdr & Honor Guard Co-Cpt Ò Seeing the writing on the wall of history repeating itself, and that all but one honor guard member belonged to Freedom Post 1716; in 2001 Joe Kleinsmith made the motion before Post 1716 members to establish itsÕ own Post 1716 Honor Guard with a restricted funds account for honor guard use only. The motion was seconded by honor guard member Bill Kleinsmith and passed. Past Cmdr Kleinsmith initiated this action to ensure and guarantee an established honor guard would be in place to carry on itsÕ work "Honoring those who served". The Post Comdr appointed Bill Rolls as Captain (Chairman) of the Honor Guard. Later in 2002, the County Council voted to dissolve the Council Honor Guard, which permitted them to confiscate all of the Honor Guards funds. The council chose to return the M-1 rifles to the Army instead of allowing Post 1716 to obtain custody by authorized transfer procedures. With dissolving the honor guard, the posts the Council no longer received recognition for nor could report the Americanism and Community Service the honor guard did. As the Council did nothing worthwhile and meetings poorly represented, they voted to turn surrender their charter only after first dividing up among the 8 posts the thousands of dollars the Honor Guard had raised. Post 1716 Honor Guard received one eighth of its savings [a little over $600.00] from the County Council prior to it surrendering its charter. Capt Rolls has joined Capt Bud Decker on the rolls of the honor guard as ÒRetired, In-active Reserve.Ó And Joe Kleinsmith was appointed the newest Post 1716 Honor Guard Captain. Capt K was quick to respond to continue providing military funeral honors for our veterans. We got our own ceremonial rifles and ammunition from the Army, flag carry harnesses, and added a digital bugle to our inventory. Last year we searched out and received training from the California ARNG Funeral Team, and became participants of the Dept of Defense Authorized Provider Partnership Program (AP3). The guidance and training we received enables us to be more confident and professional in honoring our veterans.

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Mortuary had difficulty getting Air Force representation

2007-Aug-25 at 04:41

by DD

On a Thursday afternoon, Capt. K got a message from Paradise California asking for assistance to locate someone who could fold a flag at a veteran's funeral. From that Capt. Joe knew something was amiss. He called the mortuary and found out they could not get the Air Force to provide an honor team and was searching out assistance. After obtaining all the information needed surrounding the graveside service of Tech Sgt Melvin Lemke, the Capt. called his contact in the Air Force for military funeral honors and got a confirmation of their tasking. He then called back the mortuary and wife of TS Lemke to assure them that all was arranged for Saturday. On Saturday at 1 pm, the Honor Guard was at the Felton Cemetery under the trees. Capt. K performed the duties of Chaplain; three airmen from Travis AFB folded and presented the flag to the widow, and played taps. Lt Sal directed the team in firing three ceremonial volleys with their WWII M-1 Garands. The family was grateful that Melvin received his military honors.

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Recommend Video - Never Falter

2007-Aug-25 at 03:01

by DD

We highly recommend seeing the video "Never Falter". It shows behind the scenes of those who guard the Tomb of the Unknowns, their training and so much more. You will find it under our selected "Links" on the right. Don't forget to leave your comments.

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City Police attempt to prohibit Honor Guard from providing military funeral honors.

2007-Aug-24 at 11:56

by DD

Late one afternoon a few years back, honor guard Capt Joe received a call from the Santa Cruz American Legion Post Commander asking for our participation at their members memorial service. It was being held the next day Pacific Gardens Memorial Chapel in Santa Cruz. It was short notice but do able for our team. I called the funeral director and verified the family requested our presence and the Armys. For some unknown reason the Legion Commander called the police department for permission to have a rifle salute. A little while later the Legion Cmdr called me back and said the police department would not allow the rifles at the services. He gave me his contact and I spoke with a Lt Suponi. She went on to recite a city ordnance that prohibited the discharging of rifles clear down to a sling shot within the city limits. I advised her that the VFW honor guard has been firing rifle volleys at veterans memorial services and patriotic assemblies for over 20 years throughout the city of Santa Cruz and the entire county. And that we would be firing tomorrow rendering military honors for a veteran who defended our country in time of war. I advised her I would be at Pacific Gardens for her to arrest me and that I would love to report to the newspapers and television that the police and City fathers are against veterans receiving military funeral honors guaranteed by federal law. I continued to educate her that federal law guaranteed veterans military honors and that the weapons were on loan to us from the government, registered with the Watsonville Police Department and modified so only to fire blank ammunition. I could hear in her voice her back peddling and she advised me she would have to consult with the citys counsel (attorney) and call me back. Ten minutes later she called me back and said since no projectiles exited our weapons, technically the city ordinance did not apply to us. The next day like all other times before we fire volleys, I called Dispatch at the Police Department and advised them where we would be firing, when we would be firing, and that it would be three volleys, in case someone called them to report gun fire. The Army was present and everything went off perfectly without any sign of police presence. We do not ask for permission to fire.

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Our Sequence in Unfolding a Flag

2007-Aug-15 at 10:07

by DD

a. Upon receiving their signal, two pre-designated men ceremoniously march (heel-toe) to the folded flag and at the position of ÒAttentionÓ simultaneously present a slow salute. The Fold man will pick-up the flag and they march to a pre-selected location visible to the family. The Fold man will hold the flag with his right hand and will hold up the flap with his left. The Receiver facing the Fold man will unfold the flag tuck and grasp its end. The Fold man stands fast and slowly unfolds the flag while the Receiver slowly backs-up keeping the flag tight. At the seventh fold (now in the RED) the Fold man signals with a nod for the Receiver to stand fast. The Fold man then begins to back up while still unfolding the flag. Once the flag is unfolded to its narrow length, both men keep the flag waist high. b. Both men should be centered and equal distance from their starting point. With a signal of a nod, both men raise the flag vertically chest high, search out, separate and grasp the two corners of the flag in preparation to opening the flag. With the signal of a nod, both men spread their arms apart and open the flag fully. They raise the flag shoulder high and hold it for three seconds. Then the flag is lowered to waist height in preparation to refold it. The flag is not to sag and will be kept taunt at all times.

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Our Sequence in Folding/Refolding the Flag

2007-Aug-13 at 10:59

by DD

a. The OIC will give the silent signal (eye wink, nod, or thumb raise) to start the fold. On the signal the team will fold the flag in half length half ways, blue should be on the bottom of the flag, leaving one inch of the union showing. Then another signal and another fold lengthwise. The blue should be on the top and the bottom of the flag now. Make sure the folds always go the to holders left/folders right. Then another signal and the Fold man at the stripes end (not the end of the blue) will begin to fold the flag, beginning with the first fold from the left to the right in a triangle. Remember two folds then step towards the holder. Continue to fold until the eighth fold, at this point the tip of the fold should be in the blue of the flag and touch the center of the first star. On the ninth fold, Fold man will make sure to cover the tip of the fold with the blue part of the flag. Continue on until the thirteenth fold, at which point the Fold man will with his left hand hold up the blue flap and the receiver will tuck the excess flag into the flag itself, rolling the end flap around itself making sure the flag is smooth and that the end will not fall out or become un-tucked. The Fold man will then inspect the flag by holding it vertical and run his hand down all three sides by rotating the flag slowly clockwise. b. When the flag is completely folded, slow salutes are exchanged and the OIC will secure the flag with left hand on top and with fingers over the point. The OIC will ceremoniously march (heel- toe) to the family and the Fold man will face and ceremoniously march back to rejoin the firing team. At this time the OIC will present the flag to the person using the following words, On behalf of the President of the United States and the (Branch of Service), it is my high privilege to present to you this flag. Let it be a symbol of the grateful appreciation our nation feels for the distinguished service rendered to our country and our flag by your loved one. After the saying, the OIC presents the flag to the designated person by pulling his left hand back and rolling the flag over end so the point will be facing (stabbing) him. He returns to the position of attention, renders a slow hand salute holding it for three seconds and drops the salute.

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