Page 28 - AL POST 390 OFFICER'S GUIDE AND MANUAL OF CEREMONIES - 2020

Commander: "Please be seated."

The commander makes one rap with the gavel and members are seated.
Commander: `'lt is with a feeling of honor and sadness that we have presented the Gold Star Banner and
tack to Although we may not have experienced the personal loss that (he/
She/they has/have), we, as veterans, appreciate the sacrifice given through the loss of our fellow veteran.
In this Simple ceremony, we seek to express our appreciation.The arms of a grateful nation are wrapped
around this family to comfort them in their loss."
'`At this time we offer (her/him/them) the opportunity to make any remarks if (he/she/they) desire."

AIlow a pause for remarks by the recipient.

Commander (to the recipients): '`We thank you for your attendance to accept these mementos. This
concludes our ceremony. You may leave now or return to your seats as you wish. Sergeant-at-arms, escort
our honored recipients."

Commander: "Please stand."

The commander makes three raps with the gavel. After the recipients leave or return to their seats, the
commander and chaplain return to their positions. The commander makes one rap with the gavel.

Commandei.: ``Please be seated. We shall now continue with our regular business."
The commander may also conclude the program with a chaplain's benediction and "To the Colors."

PATRIOTIC HOLIDAYS

Memorial Day

Memorial Day originated at the close of the Civil War, and therefore, American Legion posts should give due
recognition to the veterans of earlier wars.

After the audience is seated, the post enters, either in uniform or wearing ceremonial badges, and files into
reserved space or seats. The commander stands before the post or upon the platform where the guests,
speakers and chaplain are seated.

Commander: "Comrades, this day is sacred with the almost visible presence of those who have gone
before us. We honor the memory of those who gave their lives in the service of our country, and of those
others who have dropped their burdens by the wayside of life, and are gone to their eternal rest. May the
ceremonies of today deepen our reverence for our departed friends and comrades. Let us renew our pledge
of loyalty to our country and its flag. Let us resolve by word and deed to emphasize the privilege and duty
of patriotism.„

ln place of the following prayer, the chaplain may deliver one of the same length and general tenor.
Chaplain:"Let us pray. Almighty God, Giver of all victories, we thankThee for the opportunities which abide
in our land, forThy guidance in the hour of peril and Thy tender love in times of need. Help us to remember
with reverence the valor and devotion of our departed comrades; not only those whose bodies consecrate
our country's soil, but also those who sleep beyond the seas, and others whose resting places will not
be known until that last day when the deep will have given up its dead. 0 God, teach us to honor them
by ever cherishing the ideals for which they fought. Keep us steadfast in the cause of human rights and
liberties, of law and order, and true Americanism. Give us the power to see and the will to do right. Grant
thatThe American Legion may preserve the high ideals for which our comrades died. MayThy merciful

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