DEAR EDITOR:

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the men and women who serve in the honor guard. The honor guard includes current service members from all branches and veterans who participate in funeral services at the funeral home, church and / or the gravesite for any individual who has served in the armed services. Locally, the honor guards are affiliated with American Legions, VFWs and other service organizations. During a service, guards may stand at attention at the casket, tell the history of the veteran and their service record that many in attendance may have never heard the details of, play taps and / or give a 21-gun salute. Following this, a flag folding ceremony is done and is given to the family. The honor guard also participates at various memorial services throughout the year to include the Laying of the Roses in Youngstown.

During this past year, we have lost many veterans to COVID-19, aging and other causes, and our honor guards have been in attendance to honor their comrades and their families. They have completed this service at risk to their own health, in any weather, across our country from Arlington to Lake Milton to Pearl Harbor. The honor guard also performs duties at national cemeteries on a rotating basis for whole days to cover funerals at these sites.

Lake Milton American Legion Post 737 member John Chittock, United States Coast Guard veteran, attends as many Coast Guard veteran services as possible to give his personal condolences to family members. Thank you to John for his service to his comrades.

The Lake Milton American Legion Auxiliary 737 would like to extend our many thanks to “our guys” and to all of the others who do these services. You are very much appreciated for what you do.

KAREN SHESKO

Lake Milton American Legion Auxiliary