Vermillion Honor Guard
See more information about the Poker Run and the Honor Guard
below the flyer.
|
|
The Vermilion Parish Honor Guard of Kaplan American Legion Post 271 which performs funerals for veterans and other civic ceremonies, has an annual fund raising drive. The money raised is used for purchasing, cleaning and altering uniforms; gasoline, insurance and repair of our van; repair, upkeep and blank ammunition for our old M-1 rifles; and other expenses we incur during the year.
The primary function of the Honor Guard is serving as a final memorial for deceased veterans and to accommodate the wishes of their families. On the day of the funeral, the guard members offer a prayer for their fallen comrade at the funeral home, then line up and present arms as the casket is placed in the hearse and as it enters and exits the church. At the cemetery, they present arms, perform a 3 volley rifle salute, play Taps, and present the family with the folded American flag and 21 polished fired shells. Since its inception in 1988, the Honor Guard has performed over 1140 funerals We have also performed countless other ceremonies in Vermilion Parish. On Veterans’ Day, Guard members visit nursing homes in Kaplan, Nunez, Abbeville and Gueydan performing memorial services honoring resident veterans, spouses, and family members. We also go to Graceland Cemetery to honor veterans buried there. Throughout the year, the Guard travels to various schools to perform flag raising ceremonies which are well received by students and faculty.
Our Honor Guard members do all of this on a voluntary basis. This fund raiser is our principal means of support and without the support of the community, we could not do it. The members of the Vermilion Parish Honor Guard are: Charles Burke, Louis Theo Bares, Tony Betts, Hubert Callahan, Willie Cessac, Ronnie Lee Cormier, Earnest Dubois Sr., Wayne Fabre Sr.,John Clifton Francis, Raymond Guidry, Ewill Hargrave, Joseph A Istre, Joseph L. Lemaire, Edward Mire, Daniel Nunez, Howard Schexnyder,Galis Touchet, Paul Trahan, Joe White, Lindy Duplantis, Eraste Hebert Jr., Sterling St. Julien, Louis Perrin.
Any and all donations will be accepted. Our tax I.D. number is 72-1391545. Donations may be mailed to Post 271 Commander Tony Betts PO Box 303 Kaplan La 70548, or Galis Touchet , Honor Guard Captain, PO Box 303., Kaplan, LA 70548.
|
|
