Page 27 - AL POST 390 OFFICER'S GUIDE AND MANUAL OF CEREMONIES - 2020

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Gold Star Banner ceremony

This suggested program may be performed as part of a regular meeting or other event sponsored by the post.
The program may be modified to fit the occasion. Notify the audience that applause is never given when a
person is introduced as a Gold Star Mother or family member.

Commander: "We will now conduct a Gold Star Banner presentation to the family member(s) of a veteran
killed in combat (or one who was wounded and died of his/her wounds or disease during wartime). This
is a solemn ceremony during which due reverence is requested. Please do not applaud during or after the
presentation. The Gold Star replaces the Blue Star, signifying that a family member who was serving during
wartime is now deceased. Please stand."

The commander makes three raps with the gavel.

Commander: "Sergeant-at-arms, please escort the recipient(s) to the position of honor."
The recipients are escorted to a position in front of the head table/podiLim, facing the audience. The sergeant-
at-arms takes a position to the right of and faces the recipients. The commander then goes to a position in
front of and faces the recipients. The chaplain follows, standing to the right and facing the commander.

Adjutant: ''The Gold Star Banner will be presented to the (relation) of
entered the (branch of service) in (year). (He or she) was assigned to
(unit/station) and died while serving our country in (location).

NOTE: Additional information citing the service and circumstances of death may be added.

After conclusion of the reading, the chaplain gives the banner and tack to the commander for presentation.
The commander approaches the recipient and offers condolences and comments appropriate for presentation
of the Gold Star Banner and tack. These personal comments to the recipient should express gratitude for
service rendered on behalf of the veterans, citizens and the president of the United States. They need not be
spoken loudly for all present to hear. The commander then presents the Gold Star Banner and tack to the
recipient.

The script is repeated with appropriate changes for each recipient until all banners and tacks are presented.
Commander: ''The chaplain will offer prayer. Please uncover."

Chaplain: ''Let us pray. Almighty God, Our heavenly Father, we ask that Your blessing be bestowed on
those who now receive these mementos. We thank You for this opportunity to share with them this special
occasion to honor our departed veteran in this ceremony. Let us always honor
the memory of those brave soldiers who gave the supreme sacrifice, so that we may experience freedom
in a country that is free. Heavenly Father, keep this family in your kind care. Bless them and comfort them
in their times of sorrow. And let us be reminded of life, liberty, justice, freedom and democracy, so that we
may be ever grateful to You for those comrades who gave so much for their country. We ask Your blessing
upon this service and grant unto us your continued fellowship that makes abiding peace. Amen."
Commandel.: "Please recover."

A bugler may play taps. Members should render a hand salute as the commander gives the appropriate
commands.

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