MONTHLY SERVICE at NATIONAL

The MONTHLY SERVICE at NATIONAL cemetery in Sarasota county is a ceremony to honor all those VETERANS who have been laid to rest during the previous month and have not yet been afforded final honors.

The Patriot Guard riders and members of the American Legion Riders Chapter 24 normally provide an escort for the HONOR GUARD and bus from POST 24 down to NATIONAL.

Although the ceremony is open to the public most are not aware of the service, and it is not advertised. On this day the activities director at Emeritus assisted living center brought a bus load of residents to the occasion. Full military honors is a ceremony most have never witnessed. It is very impressive and a solemn service that will be remembered by all who are in attendance.

The Patriot Guard riders, the American Legion riders Chapter 24 and residents from Emeritus are gathered for the ceremony.

A B

A. Glen, one of the senior staff members at National, brings the FLAG into one of the two shelters in preparation for the ceremony.

B. As each name is read, Captain Thomas gavels the bell. On this day there were 28 names.

MISSING MAN

The rifle, bayonet and helmet together symbolize the 'MISSING MAN'.

It is also referred to as the 'BATTLEFIELD CROSS'. This symbol has been used since the civil war to alert friendly troops that one of their own is 'down'.

When directed by the Captain, the rifle Lieutenant, John Alderman, moves the 'MISSING MAN' from its outpost position into the ranks of the rifle squad, symbolizing that no warrior will be left behind.

Members of the rifle squad, Bill Hiltgen, Dennis Rambo, Phillip Barber and Richie Lanois are directed by rifle lieutenant, John Alderman, to salute our comrades with final honors.

The FLAG is unfolded, then held high as TAPS is played by bugler, Jack Chapmen.

HONOR GUARD Chaplain, George Staudt, Following TAPS, the FLAG is folded.

Once folded, the FLAG is presented to a designated recipient, normally a family member.

This concludes the full military honors at National. Thirty minute blocks are allocated for each service throughout week days at two shelters. Most days are busy with families, loved ones and friends gathering at assigned intervals while other days may only have a few services held.

National is in a very peaceful and restive setting where the quiet sounds are heard, where memories are brought back from long ago and where time seems to be removed from the experience.

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