VETERANS PRESS: The highest of honor

A military funeral service is marked with high dignity and respect for those men and women who have served their country. The solemn protocol and precision of a military funeral cannot be surpassed. It cannot be accomplished without an honor guard. And they need your help. 

"We are losing members," said Todd Halvorson, captain of the Manuel Schneidmiller American Legion Post No. 154 Honor Guard, who currently works with a team of 15 veterans. "But we are aging out, tired and need help."

Halvorson, along with Ken Johnson, coordinator for the Honor Guard, reported a record number of 27 ceremonies and events for August 2024.

"This shows the dedication and commitment of this team,” Johnson said. "We have team members from three American Legion Posts (Rathdrum, Post Falls and Athol) as well as the Marine Corps League, Order of the Purple Heart and the Coeur d'Alene VFW."

Currently, the American Legion Honor Guard is the only one to serve Kootenai County.

Any veteran who is a member of a veteran service organization can join the honor guard. They may wear the uniform of the veteran organization to which they belong. The basic uniform cost and maintenance is the responsibility of the volunteer.  Patches, shoulder cords and gloves are provided, and when possible, help for other items. "Basic training is given to all volunteers," Johnson said. "They attend several ceremonies to observe our commands and functions. We then hold a few hours of hands-on training which involves the rifle salute, flag folding and presentation, letter and brass presentation, and playing taps."   

Johnson fields and records requests from funeral homes or families, then sends out messages to team members to get enough personnel to fulfill the mission. Team members are not required to attend every function, but participate in as many, or as few, that can fit into their individual schedules. They lead parades. They present colors at ceremonies and events. They participate in funerals. 

The presence and performance of an honor guard at a military funeral is a symbol of gratitude and a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by the deceased. When witnessing the precise movements and somber protocols, the family and loved ones are comforted with a sense of pride as a final tribute to a devotion to service. 

Devotion to service is exactly what these uniformed honor guard members represent. The rituals carried out by these men and women bring sophistication and history to any parade, celebration, ceremony or funeral.  Their attention to detail, discipline and professionalism is a mark of distinction and pride. What a high honor to be a member of an honor guard.   

And so, I say to you, my veteran reader, would you care to become a part of honoring America and those who served? 

"The need for new members to join the honor guard is dire,” states Halvorson and Johnson. "Our current team ranges in age from 55 to 91 years old. Please, please — if you are a veteran, you've served our country. Won't you continue on and serve our community?" 

For more information or interest in joining this honor guard, contact Todd Halvorson at keltod11@gmail.com or Ken Johnson at Kwjsr.1963@Yahoo.com.