WALKER, Mich. (WOOD) — It’s a special salute to veterans and their families thanking them for their service.
Since 1982, the Kent County Veterans Honor Guard has delivered more than 22,000 military salutes to fellow veterans at their funerals.
The team of 85 men and women are all veterans. They volunteer to make sure those who have served are honored the way they deserve. It’s at no cost to the families.
Bill Peless, the guard’s commander, served in Vietnam with the Marine Corps.
“I knew when I retired that I wanted to do this,” he said. “I felt a calling to do this, like most of the guys. The honor guard and the military branches are considered to be like brothers and sisters.”
They begin the service with a prayer and a eulogy. They then unfold the flag and hold it over the casket. After that, they deliver three rifle volleys, followed by the ceremonial taps.
They finish by folding the flag and presenting it to the family, along with the spent shell casings.
Peless says the group offers tribute at about 500 services each year across Kent County. They hope to do even more.
“Even though we do a lot of services, we don’t do nearly as much as we could,” he said. “A lot of people don’t know about it.”
If you’re a veteran and would like to volunteer with the group, check its website, where you can also donate to the honor guard.