08/07/2008
from the Kennebec Journal
Finding shelter for those who serve their nation
Immigrant recalls her special greeting
State gains $85M in Homeland Security funds
Man arrested after swerve toward cop
School unit in limbo
Rain? What rain?
LEE LATCHES ON WITH THOMAS
Modern camping equipment takes it to the extreme
All of today's:
News | Sports
from the Kennebec Journal
from the Morning Sentinel
Civil War-era flag finds honored position
Residents wonder if the rain will ever go away
FAIRFIELD Sewage plant rejection irks man
Winslow's fireworks guy doesn't mind the obscurity
At holiday derby, the fun is catching
Vets' champion 'very passionate' about her work
Hersom deals with change
Sandals work for outdoor types
All of today's:
News | Sports
from the Morning Sentinel
I was disturbed to see that the military was not present to give a much-deserved military honors for the World War II veteran. The funeral representative didn't know why the military was not present.
He also said the family was not asked if they wanted the military honors, adding that was the responsibility of the veteran's American Legion Post 5.
I reminded him that it was the military's responsibility, not that of veterans' organizations. The son of the deceased told me he didn't know about this policy and that no one had asked him. Funeral directors are supposed to notify the family about this policy and federal law requires the military to furnish the detail if the family desires.
I went to the Armory in Augusta and those in charge of the honors detail told me they were not notified. I also asked them to get in touch with this funeral home and remind them of their duty.
We of the Kennebec County Veterans Honor Guard performed the service although not as well as the military. I played taps from my Lincoln limousine. The son praised us and said the taps brought tears to his eyes. I hope all funeral directors see this and act on it.
I will not rest when I see a veteran not given the proper honors.
By the way, we do our part in conjunction with the military at no cost to anyone.
Larry Dearborn
Retired army sergeant first class
Richmond
dearbornlarry@verizon.net




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