Carrollton’s American Legion Post 143 has added a rifle team to its Honor Guard to provide services at the funerals of veterans.
by Catalina Trivino/Times-Georgian
Carrollton’s American Legion Post 143 has added a rifle team to its Honor Guard to provide services at the funerals of veterans.
The tradition of a full-honors salute traces back to the 18th and early 19th centuries when the flag was used to cover the deceased taken from the battlefield. It has evolved, incorporating the firing of three volleys from each service member who perform the rifle salutes. It was used during the Revolutionary War when the camp would perform salutes over the graves of soldiers who died in battle. It has since become an honor in today’s society.
“The primary reason is to help out the National Guard,” said Honor Guard Chairman Sam Pyle. “Sometimes they’ll do a dozen or two dozen services a day throughout the state.”
Not all veterans qualify for full military honors.
“A lot of the times, a veteran who has spent 20 years in service, or a senior master sergeant, or an officer is eligible for a rifle team to fire at their gravesite service,” said Pyle. “Also a service person who has received a Purple Heart, Bronze Star, or higher award during their service period would be eligible for full military honors, which the rifle team would be a part of.”
Post 143’s Honor Guard consists of 18 members, with a bugler and a flag team with folders and holders. A rifle team of three, five or seven members — depending on who is available on the date of the funeral — will allow the Honor Guard to perform a full honor service for those who are eligible.
Read more: Times-Georgian - American Legion post to serve veterans funerals with new rifle team
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