Our ceremony will be conducted with my wife's step-grandfather, a WWII vet who fought in the South Pacific, at the memorial grave site of her real grandfather who died there, buried in Italy and later moved here.
My wife grew up with these services. Since we have been married, we've watched the ranks of this group of vets thin down to the one remaining.
This is the ceremony I cobbled together after there weren't enough left to continue the tradition. If any want to use it, please feel free:
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This is an adaptation of the standard VFW graveside memorial.
The brief service requires people acting on behalf of the VFW Commander, Vice-Commander, Junior Vice Commander, Commander Officer Of The Day, Chaplain, President of the Lady's Auxiliary and a bugler or suitable way to play taps, if possible.
Acting Commander: The long tradition of Veterans of Foreign Wars graveside memorial services has been growing more difficult to carry on as the ranks of our treasured veterans grows thinner. While we cannot pretend to fill the shoes of these great men and women, we temporarily assume the roles of the VFW officers to carry on the tradition, acting on their behalf in commemorating the sacrifices of those who gave all for this great nation. We welcome any and all who would participate in this public remembrance of the heroic servicemen and women who have made possible the life we enjoy today. And so we begin the commemoration.
As long as any comrade's descendants survive - so long will the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, their families and friends render tribute to our heroic dead.
Comrades, on this day, forever consecrated to our heroic dead, we are assembled once again to express sincere reverence. This grave represents the resting places of many departed heroes who served in all wars. Wherever the body of one who defended their nation in the armed forces lies, there the ground is hallowed. Our presence here is in solemn commemoration of all these men - an expression of our tribute to their devotion to duty, to their courage and patriotism. By their services on land, on sea and in the air they have made us their debtors - for the flag of our nation still flies over a land of free people.
Chaplain, you will ask the divine blessing.
Acting Chaplain:
Father of us all! In the depth of our silent reverence we realize the truth of the inspired words, "I am the resurrection and the life; he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live."
As comrade after comrade departs we carry on the tradition of recognition as the ranks of those who fought these battles grows thinner. Help us to be faithful unto You and to one another. Look in mercy on the widows and children of our departed defenders, protectors and comrades, we ask You, and with Your own tenderness console and comfort those who are bereaved.
Heavenly Father, bless our country with freedom, peace and righteousness. Through Your favor may we be reunited at last before Your throne in Heaven. We praise Your Great Name forever and forever. Amen.
Acting Commander:
Attention! Acting officers, family members and friends of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, we will now pay our respects to our departed comrade. In so doing we offer solemn tribute to all who have fallen defending the United States of America wherever they may rest. Acting Senior Vice-Commander!
Acting Senior Vice-Commander:
On behalf of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, I place this symbol of our remembrance. (Places wreath.)
Acting Commander:
Acting Junior Vice-Commander!
Acting Junior Vice-Commander:
I place this symbol of purity on this comrade's grave. May each future generation emulate the unselfish courage of all who fought for freedom. (Places white flower.)
Acting Commander:
Acting Commander Officer of Day!
Acting Commander Officer of Day:
In memory of the heroic dead who have fallen in defense of the United States of America I place this tribute of our devotion and everlasting remembrance. (Places red flower.)
Acting Commander:
Acting President of the Ladies Auxiliary to the Veterans of Foreign Wars!
Acting Auxiliary President:
On behalf of the Ladies Auxiliary, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, I place this emblem of eternity. Its color bespeaks life everlasting. Thus do we immortalize the brave deeds of our soldiers, sailors and marines who have given their lives on land, on sea and in the air. (Places blue flower.)
Acting Commander:
On behalf of our glorious republic for whose integrity our comrades enlisted and served, I place this emblem of the nation. The flag of our country was theirs to defend. Its glorious colors shall wave over them in death as in life - for everyone to behold.
To you who have departed, we render a silent salute.
Comrades, Salute! One!
(All in uniform hold salute to grave for ten seconds. Those not in uniform hold their right hand over their heart.)
Comrades in the Silent Land Beyond, wherever your mortal remains may rest, these solemn services we hold in tribute to you.
Two!
(If available, Taps is played, the salute is ended and the participants are dismissed.)
Adapted from "VFW Ritual Book", (as revised in 1953.)
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