History and Mission
The Veterans Memorial Post 347 Honor Guard was originally formed on September 25, 1995 by Post Veterans who had been members of another honor guard in our area. Their mission was to provide Military Honors for Post 347 members when requested by a family and to represent Post 347 at various Legion and community events.
In 2004, the Honor Guard was reformed and is now considered by some to be the best American Legion Honor Guard in Florida.
This Honor Guard produced a Manual on the proper procedures of conducting Military Honors which is given to every new member.
We were honored when the Department of Florida officially adopted this manual as the offical training manual for Honor Guards in the State of Florida.
At present we have 62 members. Our usual attendance will vary from 25 to 35 members who will be present for Military Honors at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell or a local cemetery. We also provide Military Honors at local funeral homes, depending on the individual situation.
The Honor Guard's current mission, as authorized by the Post Executive Committee, is to provide Military Honors for: Post 347 members, Post 347 member’s Veteran spouse, Auxiliary Unit 347 Veteran members and Sons of The American Legion Squadron 347 Veteran members. In addition, the Honor Guard will present the Nation's colors at the Post's official events, community outreach events, parades and other similar functions and ceremonies as requested and approved by the Honor Guard Commander.
At a military funeral the Post 347 Honor Guard takes the Military Honors to the next level.
We offer up our Honor Guard Chaplain’s prayer, a formal address by the Commander of the Post and the presentation of a poem and a Holy Bible/Book to the family. Also, the Honor Guard performs the solemn rite of folding and presentation of the American Flag to the family. This is followed by the three volleys of seven riflemen and the playing of Taps. This completes the Honors to our Comrade and your loved one.
When available, our Piper, Buck Buchanan, will play“Going Home” and “Amazing Grace” at intervals during the ceremony if you so desire.
The Military Honors or Memorial Service by the Post 347 Honor Guard are provided for you and your family as a privilege and an honor by the Post 347 Honor Guard at no cost to you.
Whenever The American Legion is assisting the U.S. government, it will conform to DOD’s methods of conduct. In working together, we honor, in the highest traditions of U.S. military service, those who have gone before. In doing so, all the requirements for a reverent, respectful and dignified ceremony must be met. The Honor Guard Commander/Shelter Commander will coordinate with leaders of the U.S. Agency which are normally Active/Reserve Duty Military Service Members.
For further information on our Military Honors, or joining the Honor Guard, please contact:
Main Office: 352-750-2099 Hours: 9-4 pm Mon-Fri or leave a message for:
Joe Muraida-Honor Guard Commander
