Veterans of Foreign War Post 9401 provides “Military Funeral Honors” at the funeral services of veterans who were discharged from U.S. military service under conditions which are not dishonorable and are requested by the family of the deceased veteran.
Public Law, Title 10, United States Code, Section 1491, provides that all veterans who served their country in military service under conditions not dishonorable are entitled to military funeral honors which are defined as: “The ceremonial paying of respect and the final demonstration of the country’s gratitude to those who, in times of war and peace, have faithfully defended our Nation."
The Department of Defense and the Veterans Administration have authorized veterans’ organizations such as the VFW, American Legion, and Marine Corps League to conduct military funeral honors at veteran funeral services.
VFW Post 9401 members have personnel and resources to conduct military funeral honors within the local Arizona area. These services are provided free of charge and can be arranged through funeral home directors or by calling (928-855-5374) the VFW funeral coordinator at VFW Post 9401. The honor guard will respond to all requests for these services with a forty-eight hour prior notice of the funeral service.
Military funeral honors are conducted according to military regulations and consist of a spoken tribute of the deceased veteran, a non-denominational prayer by the honor guard Chaplain, followed by three volleys of blank rifle fire by the rifle detail. The bugler then sounds “Taps." At the conclusion of taps, the honor guard is instructed to perform its “final duty” which is the ceremonial folding of the casket Flag, which is then presented and given to the widow, widower or designated next of kin.
The honor guard has performed at cemeteries, Churches, private clubs, and private residences. We will render “military funeral honors” at funeral services, memorial services, and “celebrations of life." While we do not charge for these services, we do accept donations, the proceeds of which are used toward the purchase and maintenance of our honor guard uniforms, equipment, and other expenses.
Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9401 Honor Guard
Veterans Of Foreign Wars Post 9401 Honor Guard
March 2015
Mike Centofanti, Jim Bender Dave Eaton, Bob Hawley, Frank Emery, Mike Goll, Fred Mohun, Michelle Thomson
