Honor Guard 2020

 The Honor Guard rendered Honors at 9 Legion funerals and was asked to assist at 8 VFW funerals. Since the first of the year, the Honor Guard rendered Honors at 63 Legion funerals and asked to assist at 71 VFW funerals. We have also appeared at various community activities 13 times in 2020. This is considerably less than in previous years, mainly because of COVID-19. As 2020 comes to a close, I would like to thank some special people who helped the Honor Guard in our mission: Lincoln Symphony Orchestra: Kaylene Beal, who schedules a live bugler for all Legion funerals; Mike Thompson, Tom Kelly, Deb Bouffard and others that have bugled for us in 2020-21. Many a tear has been shed by a family member or friend when they play “Taps”. Service Branch Honor Guards: We have had the privilege and honor of assisting these fine young soldiers. A special thanks to SGT Raymond, SGT Siebrandt, SGT Hansen and their assistants. They truly are the most dedicated and professional Honor Guard members that I have been associated with. Post 3 Honor Guard Members: This is a great group of dedicated volunteers who show up, rain or shine – in the heat or cold, to pay proper respect to our deceased veterans.  When the Honor Guard reports, they joke with one another and tell war stories until the hearse arrives with the Honored Guest. Then it’s all about honor and respect for the veteran. However, we need help. We are looking for a “Few Good Men” to help us. Our ranks are getting older, and we are looking for some younger blood. We presently have 17 members on our Honor Guard roster. The average age of these members is 78. Of the 17, 7 are available only occasionally because of health problems, weather-related issues, or doing other administrative work for Post 3. To equip a proper Honor Guard, we should have a minimum of 7 riflemen and a Commander. I don’t know how much longer these old troopers can continue to provide their services. Without new replacements, I fear that the Honor Guard will soon disappear. The Honor Guard is a personal commitment, but If you are interested, contact the Post 3 Legion office at 402-466-3958 or email at: post3legionlincoln@gmail.com Gerry Wolf Post 3 Honor Guard Member

In the month of April 2001,

 the Honor Guard rendered “Honors” at 7 Legion funerals and was asked to  assist at 2 VFW funerals. In calendar year 2021, the Honor Guard rendered “Honors” at 53 combined  funerals. Make sure you fly your American Flag at half-staff from sunrise until noon and then raised  to the top of the staff from noon until sunset on 

Memorial Day, Monday, May 31.  

Commander Graft and I were present at the Chancellor’s Review to present awards to 24 Cadets and Midshipmen for Military Excellence and Scholarship Excellence on April 29, 2021.