Page 21 - AL POST 390 OFFICER'S GUIDE AND MANUAL OF CEREMONIES - 2020

"Eternal rest grant unto (him or her), 0 Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon (him or her). May (his or her)

soul and all of the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen."
When there is a service at the chapel or home and the casket is open, the commander or chaplain may place a
poppy inside at the end of the service.
``The memorial poppy is a national symbol of the flowers in Flanders Fields that embodies the sacrifices of
men and women who served and died for their country in all wars. We now leave this poppy with you in
your honor, and as an eternal reminder of the binding comradeship we feel for you."
The commander salutes. If the casket is sealed and draped with the U.S. flag, do not use the poppy, as nothing
is placed on top of an U.S. flag. Simply salute.

Chaplain: "Farewell, our friend, Legionnaire and comrade."
All Legionnaires present at the funeral service shall pass the casket and salute the deceased Legionnalre. After
the salute, the Legionnaires present shall leave the funeral chapel in single file and with dignity.

NOTE: Wherever the term "commander" is used in connection with funeral escort, procedure at cemetery
and graveside, it refers to the commander of the firing squad. The post commander shall be at the head of
the American Legion delegation, except when the funeral service is conducted at the grave.Then the post
commander shall be on the left of the chaplain and at the head of the grave.

Funeral escort

The escort is formed outside the church, chapel or residence. Upon appearance of the casket, the commander
gives the call to present arms.

Firing squad commander: "Present . . . arms."
After the casket is placed in the hearse, the flncil command is given.

Firing squad commander: "Order . . . arms."

Procedure at cemetery

Once the column is opposite the grave, the firing squad and Legionnalres form a line facing the grave. The
chaplain or clergy stands at the head of the grave. The casket is carried along the front of the line to the grave.
Firing squad commander: "Present . . . arms."

The firing squad presents arms. The casket having been placed over the grave, arms are brought to the order.

Firing squad commander: "Parade rest."
The officer in charge of the firing squad brings the detachment to parade rest. All incline their heads.

At graveside

lf no previous service has been conducted, the service for church, chapel or home should be read at the grave,
prior to the following committal.
Chaplain: "Man is of few days and full of trouble. He cometh forth as a flower and is cut down. He fleeth
also as a shadow and continueth not. Forasmuch as God hath taken out of the world the soul of our
departed comrade, we therefore commit (his or her) body to the ground to sleep and (his or her) soul to
endless peace to rest. The dust returneth to earth as it was, and the spirit returneth unto God who gave it."

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