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"A Veteran's Tribute: Honouring Those Who Served"
"Comrades fold the flag". With those words the six members Honour Guard carefully fold the flag into the symbolic tri-cornered shape and pass it to the seventh member of the detail.
It is this flag, that moments earlier had draped her husband's casket to honor the memory of his service to his country, which was being solemnly presented to her by a representative of the Honour Guard. As he steps back she holds the neatly folded flag tightly in her arms. It will be an honoured keepsake, which she will proudly display in a prominent location in her home.
The provision of this tribute is a way in which a community shows its deep gratitude to those who, in time of war and peace have faithfully defended their country. It is the final act of respect that can be provided to a veteran's family.
The veteran's tribute consists of three core elements; the provision of Honour guard, folding and presentation of the flag under whose colors the veteran served and the playing of "Taps". The Honour Guard detail is generally made up of local veterans and Legion members representing the Branch with, which the deceased was affiliated. It consists of at least seven members all wearing navy blue jackets and grey dress pants. Each member of the contingent also displays his medals and wears a military styled hat or beret.
The Honour Guard, who is led by one of its members, attends the funeral service at the church or funeral home chapel, or as a Guard of Honour stationed at its entrance when the deceased enters or exits.
After the service the Honours detail follow in possession to the cemetery. When the celebrant completes the liturgical component of the gravesite committal service, the leader of the Honor Guard recites the veteran's tribute, culminating with the playing of "Taps".
Taps, the bugle call used at military funeral ceremonies since the late 1800's, is played by a bugler, if available, or by electronic recording. The music is provided by the Honours detail.
After Taps has been played, the flag, which is draped on the casket is carefully folded by the remaining members of the Honour Guard into the symbolic triangular shape and then passed to its leader. With the folded flag held waist high the official representative of the Honors detail presents it to the appropriate member of the family.
Because Newfoundland was not part of Canada during the outbreak of World War II, but a colony of the British Empire, the flag of choice for many veterans is the British Union Jack. For those who served in the Canadian Forces, the Canadian Flag is used. Other veterans prefer to acknowledge the branch of the Armed Forces in which they served. For example, many Naval Veterans choose to have the White Ensign draped on their casket.
In addition to the use of the flag, another symbolic prominently displayed at a veteran's funeral is the "poppy". Prior to the commencement of the service poppies are distributed by the funeral director and members of the Honour Guard to all family members and many of the attendees. Proudly displayed over their hearts the red poppy with the black center, symbolizes the sacrifices made for the peace and freedom we now enjoy.
At graveside, after the presentation of the flag, veterans and then family and friends are invited to place their poppies on the casket prior to its lowering into its final resting place.
The veteran's tribute is provided by local veteran's service organization, such as the Canadian Legion or Naval Association at no cost to the veteran's family. The funeral director will contact the appropriate service representative for the family's area. Requests for funeral honours are based on the final interment site, not the funeral service location, if they are different. If there is no final disposition site, or the weather is not suitable, the ceremony may be held at the church or funeral home chapel.
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