The Honor Guard at the Donel C. Kinnard Memorial State Veterans Cemetery provides every veteran military honors when they are laid to rest at the state-run cemetery in Institute.
In order to provide this service, the Honor Guard requires volunteers. Members of the Honor Guard join to be part of a community, to connect with fellow veterans and also, to ensure the proper services are provided to those laid to rest.
It is easy to volunteer to serve with the Honor Guard. Any honorably discharged veteran with a DD214 is welcome. Perspective volunteers are required to observe three services before they can become a member of the Honor Guard Association.
During military funerals, members of the honor guard serve as pall bearers and form the rifle team that fires the traditional three volleys. Taps is also played during the service.
The Honor Guard does a lot more than just conduct military funerals at the Donel C. Kinnard Memorial State Veterans Cemetery. Other responsibilities of the Honor Guard include:
- Educating 5th grade students about flag etiquette and how to fold the flag
- Educate students about the National Anthem
- Participate in Parades
- Hold flag retirement ceremonies
As you can see, the Honor Guard at the Donel C. Kinnard Memorial State Veterans Cemetery performs a number of essential duties, all of which are dependent on having enough volunteers. Please join and help honor the service of other veterans like yourself. We value all levels of commitment — be it one day a month or one day a week.
In order to join, you can reach Honor Guard Association President Don Ryan by calling the Donel C. Kinnard Memorial State Veterans Cemetery at 304-746-0026.