Posted: 11/10/04
ìThey deserve it.î ìItís the very least we can do.î ìItís our duty to do it.î
These words came from the men in uniform gathered at the North Branch American Legion Tuesday morning.
They are the local honor guard who provide the final tribute to fallen comrades all across the area.
Members of the American Legion join with the VFW firing squad to provide a flag-folding ceremony and final taps for any passing veteran.
ìItís a good thing,î said American Legion Post #85 Sgt. at Arms Rich Pechuman, ìwe feel itís our duty.î
The veterans in the honor guard have served in World War II, Korea and Vietnam. One was on the beach at Normandy.
They all feel it is a duty and privilege to make the final honor to fellow vets.
And the group is busy. Being one of only a few honor guards around, they travel a large area to do the services for veteransí funerals.
With many, many WWII veterans dying every day, itís no wonder that the call for an honor guard is high. In October, they did six funerals in a little over four weeks, noted Pechuman.
But they go to all veteransí funerals, no matter what age, no matter what war or service.
A state mandate adopted in 2000, requires a flag-folding ceremony and taps at every veterans funeral.
And it is much appreciated. ìYou can just see it in the familiesí faces,î said Tom Tallarico.
The honor guard goes out whether itís 100 degrees or below zero. Bugler Roger Nelson may have to keep his mouthpiece warm, but always manages to play taps for each funeral.
They donít get paid for the service and if there is a donation, it goes to the Post. ìWeíre not looking for it and weíre not asking for it,î said Pechuman.
And how long will they continue in the honor guard?
ìWeíll do it as long as the Lord allows,î they all agreed.
ìItís a tribute of honor,î Ken Harmon added.
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