One Sergeant’s tale of serving in the Honor Guard Published Sept. 7, 2006 By Staff Sgt. Mark Simonds Legal office Grand Forks AFB, ND -- The hearse slowly pulls into the cemetery followed by a number of cars. On the site, there are already four groups of people. The first group consists of seven people, six in formation and one standing to the side. The second group consists of four people, two in the middle holding flagpoles with the Air Force and the American flag and two on the ends holding rifles. About 50 paces from the grave site you see third group. It consists of eight people. Seven people are lined up in a perfect, straight line with the seventh person standing behind the line in the center. All seven have M-16s. Off in the distance there is one more person, standing at attention, holding a bugle. All of them are standing completely silent and motionless. Once the hearse stops, the group of six slowly start marching to the vehicle; their timing is impeccable. They march up behind the hearse and slowly pull the American flag-draped casket out. They take sidesteps and slowly carrying it to the grave site. Next they place it onto the lowering device and slowly take the American flag in their hands in a table top position. The preacher says a few words. Once he is finished, commands are given, seven people snap into attention, turn and assume the firing position. The person in the back gives another command and they move simultaneously, charging their weapons and bang. They perform the same exact movements and bang. Again, one more time the exact same movements and a bang. They then turn towards the grave and presents arms. Taps plays in the distance, while standing at attention every note rings to the soul. Once Taps is completed, the six people holding the flag begin folding the flag in a manner that looks like clockwork. The folded flag is then presented to the NCO in charge, who in return presents it to the next of kin of the deceased. After all of the groups march off, they head back home to start practicing and preparing for the next one. This is the exact scenario that I witnessed early this month. As a base Honor Guardsmen, I had the privilege, along with the rest of the honor guard, to perform military honors for an active duty Air Force member who passed away recently. To be honest, when I first joined the honor guard, all I saw was a good bullet for my evaluation. I had only seen the honor guard at base functions, posting the colors for retirements and changes of command. I figured I would go and do my time, and then once it was over, return to my duty section. Nice and simple. I never imagined what I would take with me; not only back to my duty section, but something to keep for the rest of my life. Great pride in what I was able to give. Community I was able to be involved with the community. There was a Marine from Grand Forks, N.D., who was injured in Iraq and returned home with an amputated leg from a battle wound. To be part of the welcome home ceremony was a great experience. Showing him that the town was proud of him for what he had done and grateful for the sacrifices that he had made. I also had the opportunity to attend a ceremony at a Veterans home in Minnesota. Being able to sit and talk with World War II veterans was also a great experience. I even had the privilege to go to a local school and show the children some of the things we do. The look of amazement in their eyes was unforgettable. Military Honor Giving that someone military honors for selflessly and faithfully serving their country. Whether they did for three years or 20, they did their part for a nation that needed them. They had made many sacrifices being away from their home, family and friends. They devoted time out of their lives to the United States of America to help make it what this great nation is today. Also, showing their loved ones who are in attendance that their nation did not forget. By being there and performing military honors shows them that the nation still, and always will, be grateful for what they have done and the sacrifices they have made. Looking back on my experiences with the Honor Guard, I will always remember how I felt. The pride I felt giving back to a community who greatly supports the troops and the base. The pride I had because the ones who served before us know that we still appreciate what they have done for our nation. The pride that I had because I was able to pay the proper respect for the ones who passed by giving them the honors that they deserve. I am an Honor Guardsman. To honor with dignity.