Posted on Apr 7, 2014
Funeral detail/honor guard is more than a duty. It is truly an honor.
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I've been apart of funeral detail and honor guard since I joined the Army. A lot of people ask me why I volunteer to do this. Too often, I see soldiers in my ranks that run from formation, retreat and duties like funeral detail. Yes, even NCO's. I don't understand why. The lack of respect and discipline is beyond me. <div><br></div><div>The last funeral I did, I was getting ready to present the flag. "I present to you this flag on behalf of a grateful nation, the United States Army and The president , as a token of appreciation for your loved ones honorable and faithful service" then I stopped . After 1.5 years of funeral service, a tear came to my eye. This was the first time I would present the flag. The meaning of what I was doing hit me so hard. </div><div><br></div><div>When your on post, thinking you need to run inside to avoid revile and retreat, remember your fallen brothers and sisters. Remember countless tears shed by family members and loves ones, who have lost. As soldiers, as sailors, as marines and as airmen... If there is any duty that should be a priority... It's to ALWAYS honor our brothers and sisters in arms. </div><div><br></div><div>(More of a statement today. Wishing all of you a great week) </div><div><br><div><br></div><div><br></div></div>
Posted in these groups: 
Honor Guard
Fallen Soldiers
Honor Guard Fallen Soldiers
Posted 12 y ago
Responses: 15
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I served in The Old Guard for four years. When I first started participating in the ceremonial duties I was told that eventually you will become 'numb' to them. I'm not sure if the individual who told me that was just cold, or if I was an exception, but I never grew 'numb' to any of them. I respect your dedication to this important service!
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Lyndsay- Have you ever received a token of appreciation from a grateful family member after a successful honor guard event? I'm curious if there was one 'thank you' that stood out. I feel that even a small effort (after the fact) is a great way to let you and your team know how important your services were. Thanks again for your support of this detail and for taking this position so seriously.
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I share your thoughts on this, for 14 years and even now that I am retired I was apart of my units honor guard team and even attended P.E.C. and graduated with my honor Guard and Honor Guard trainer certifications. Funeral Honors is a sacred duty that should be done with great respect.
Every time I presented a flag to the next of kin it always made me feel like somebody put the squeeze on me I couldn't breath and would have to pause for a second to keep from chocking, Presenting a flag to someone is something very special and also the hardest thing you ever do or have done and it never gets easy.
when a funeral or a Honor Guard event would come up same thing would happen soldiers would disappear, I would go around and to every soldier I could and try to appeal to there sense of honor and patriotism and that is an honor and privilege to lay to rest our fallen a those who served before us and 90%of the time I was able to gather enough soldiers who would agree without argument.
Honor Guard duty was the best assignment my unit ever put me in charge of and I carried that duty as PFC all the way until I was reassigned after promoting SSG but I have always volunteered for since now that I am retired after 20 years and working in law enforcement I have been assigned again to the privilege of Honor Guard duty again, and it will always be an honor to do this service.
I hope anyone that volunteers or is assigned treats this as sacred honor and duty.
Every time I presented a flag to the next of kin it always made me feel like somebody put the squeeze on me I couldn't breath and would have to pause for a second to keep from chocking, Presenting a flag to someone is something very special and also the hardest thing you ever do or have done and it never gets easy.
when a funeral or a Honor Guard event would come up same thing would happen soldiers would disappear, I would go around and to every soldier I could and try to appeal to there sense of honor and patriotism and that is an honor and privilege to lay to rest our fallen a those who served before us and 90%of the time I was able to gather enough soldiers who would agree without argument.
Honor Guard duty was the best assignment my unit ever put me in charge of and I carried that duty as PFC all the way until I was reassigned after promoting SSG but I have always volunteered for since now that I am retired after 20 years and working in law enforcement I have been assigned again to the privilege of Honor Guard duty again, and it will always be an honor to do this service.
I hope anyone that volunteers or is assigned treats this as sacred honor and duty.
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You, SPC Monaco, have a beautiful mind, loyalty, integrity and pride. I've read several of your posts today and you always seem to have something relevant to say.
Hoo-aaah.
Hoo-aaah.
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