It’s Their Duty and Honor

In Bagley Saturday the real temperature outside was -9 degrees with a windchill of -23 degrees.  However, that didn’t  impede veterans from the American Legion Irvin Blix Post #16 - Bagley, and two servicemen from the Fargo National Guard from participating in the Honor Guard* at the funeral service of a fellow veteran who has gone onto his Post Everlasting**. 

“It is our duty and our honor.” said one veteran who attended the service.

*The American Legion Honor Guard is a volunteer unit of veterans dedicated to providing military funeral honors, including flag folding, rifle salutes and Taps, to deceased veterans. 

*The rifle salute is a solemn military tradition honoring the deceased veterans. Three consecutive rounds of blanks are fired symbolizing duty, honor and country.  This is followed by the playing of Taps.  This ritual signifies that the service member has been honorably laid to rest. Families can request honor guard services through their funeral director (internet search).

**Post Everlasting is meant to honor, remember, and pay tribute to veterans who have passed away.  It symbolizes that although members have passed, they remain part of the Legion’s eternal ranks(internet search).

Photos taken by Veteran Dennis Henkemeyer