Funeral/Cemetery Procedure

The column having arrived opposite the grave, the firing squad and American Legion members are formed in line facing the grave.  The Chaplain or clergy stands at the head of the grave.

The casket is then carried along the front of the line to the grave.

The Firing Squad presents arms.

The casket having been placed over the grave, arms are brought to the order.

The Commander next commands:  “1.  Parade.  2.  Rest.”

The Officer in charge of Firing Squad brings his detachment to parade rest.  On executing parade rest, they all incline the head.

At Graveside

If no previous service has been held, the service for church, chapel or home should be read at the grave, prior to the following committal.

Commnder: The chaplain will lead us in prayer

Chaplain:  “Man, who is born of woman, is of few days and full of trouble. He cometh forth as a flower and is cut down.  He fleeth also as a shadow and continueth not.

 “Forasmuch as God hath taken out of the world the soul of our departed comrade, we therefore commit his (her) body to the ground to sleep and his (her) soul to endless peace to rest. The dust returneth to earth as it was, and the spirit returneth unto God who gave it.”

Commander:  “Salute our departed comrade(s).”

Officer in charge of Firing Squad gives order according to the Infantry Drill Regulations in force at the time. Squad fires three rounds of blank cartridges, the muzzles of the pieces being elevated.

Bugler:  Taps.  (With two bugle echoes from different portions of the cemetery, if possible.)

Flag: remove Flag from casket, fold it in the traditional manner and place it on the arm of Chaplain, who will give Flag to the nearest kin.

On behalf of the President of the United States and a grateful nation, The American Legion Department of Massachusetts, Shirley Post #183 presents to you the flag under which your loved one so proudly served.

Present the flag and salute, the release is in a very slow manner.

 (Wherever the term “Commander” is used in connection with funeral escort, procedure at cemetery and graveside, it refers to the Commander of the Firing Squad.  The Post Commander shall be at the head of The American Legion delegation, except where the funeral service is held at the grave.  Then the Post Commander shall be on the left of the Chaplain and at the head of the grave.)