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REDDING VFW HONOR GUARD
YOU ARE THE
  
VISITOR
THIS MONTH
5/10/08
Redding VFW Post 1934 Honor Guard
Captain Larry Heck
Phone (530) 241-9168
 
Redding VFW Honor Guard
 
Redding VFW Honor Guard performs at the opening of Redding Sports Park
Flag Retirement Program
Memorial Day, Veterans Memorial Grove, Redding, CA
Folding the United States Flag
 'Why We Fire Rifle Volleys Over The Grave'
The practice of firing three rifle volleys over the grave originated in the old custom of halting the fighting to remove the dead from the battlefield. Once each army had cleared their dead, it would fire three volleys to indicate that the dead had been cared for and that they were ready to fight again. The fact that the firing party consists of seven riflemen, firing these volleys does not constitute a 21-gun-salute. It is the three volleys that are significant, not the number of rifles. Three volleys fired over the casket have become a tradition to mean the dead have been cared for. It has evolved into a military salute for the deceased serving their country. Firing the three volleys over the casket is one of the highest honors to give a deceased military veteran. Our nation’s highest honor is a flag draped over the casket, folded and presented. Tradition is to place three spent shell casings inside the folded flag to prove now and forevermore that the deceased and his flag have had proper military honors. Nothing else is to be placed inside the flag.21 Gun Salute
The national salute of 21 guns is fired in honor of a national flag, the soverign or chief of state of a foreign nation, a member of a reigning royal family, and the President, ex-President, and President-elect of the United States. It is also fired at noon of the day of the funeral of a President, ex-President, or President-elect, on Washington's Birthday, Presidents Day, and the Fourth of July. On Memorial Day, a salute of 21 minute guns is fired at noon while the flag is flown at half staff.
Chaplain: Flag Retirement Prayer
Love has no greater sacrifice than to lay down one's life for his
friends. From the shores of Omaha Beach and the jungles of
Vietnam, to the Persian Gulf, the mountains of Afghanistan and
Irag and many other harsh battlefields, your colors led us through,
our valiant warriors inspired by your red, white, and blue. We feel
a certain thrill each time you fly above, A thrill that comes from
knowing that your strength is proved by love, the love that made
the sacrifice of those who went before. Worthwhile to them and
honored by Patriots from shore to shore..
You symbolize our hope for our country for which you stand, That
freedom, truth, and justice will prevail throughout the land.
You join us in our grand parade and in somber respect preside
over the memorials to our heroes who have died.
Whether it be the voice of one small child or the chorus of a
throng our pledges of allegiance will continue proud and strong.
Now we lay you to rest with honors..
CONTINUE TO BLESS OUR COUNTRY, OUR FLAG,
AND EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU!
Aman (Prayer By Leo Simon)
If you would like to make a donation to Redding VFW Honor Guard to help
with uniforms and travel to make a donation
by Credit Card or ATM Card.
E-MAIL Redding VFW Honor Guard
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