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A close relative of mine passed away recently, and I had the opportunity to attend his funeral. I didn’t realize that the family had requested a military honor guard for the funeral. I was surprised, but pleasantly so (especially given that it was an overall somber event). It was really moving, and a fitting tribute for a veteran who lived an honorable life.

 The National Defense Authorization Act mandated that the United States Armed Forces  provide the rendering of honors in a military funeral for any eligible veteran if requested by his or her family. The honor guard detail for the burial of an eligible veteran consists of no fewer than two members of the Armed Forces, one of whom represents the parent armed service of the deceased veteran. The honor guard detail  performs a ceremony that includes the folding and presenting of the flag of the United States to the next of kin and the playing of Taps . (Source: Wikipedia.org)

This was all new to me.  My own father was a veteran of World War II, and I wish we’d had military honors for him — he was a proud veteran.  It was all I could do to hold back the tears long enough to take it in, and to capture the images of this tribute.  Wonderfully moving!

 I don’t remember hearing Taps, but I do remember the reverence and respect with which these officers folded the flag, creased the edges, and saluted in memory of my cousin, before presenting the flag to his sister. That’s what I wanted to emphasize with these images. I hope you enjoy my 5* selections.