Page 38 - AL POST 390 OFFICER'S GUIDE AND MANUAL OF CEREMONIES - 2020

NOTE: Should a more elaborate program be desired, such as raising the flag on a flagpole, conduct
presentation ceremonies as indicated above and extend the program following No. 6 and before mass
singing and the benediction. If a flag raising is included, it's recommended an honor guard consisting
of at least seven riflemen, two color bearers carrying the U.S. flag and American Legion colors, and two
Legionnaires to raise the flag be marched to the flagpole. (A 150-foot distance is recommended.) After the
flag is raised and/or the national anthem is played, the honor guard should fire one volley as a salute to the
flag. If a band is not available, a bugler could be substituted to play "To the Colors."

Prayers for special occasions

For chaplains asked to pray at meetings other than post meetings, these prayers have been printed for their
use:

Joint meeting
"Most gracious Father of us all, from Whom comes all help and blessings, look upon us gathered here, and

with Thy favor, direct us in all our actions. Grant to us vigilant hearts; give us minds to knowThee, diligence
to seek Thee, and wisdom to find Thee. Sanctify us with Thy presence, bless us with Thy might, and assist
us with Thy counsel, that all our endeavors may begin with Thee and through Thee may be happily ended.
Amen.„

Benediction
"May the strength of God sustain us; may the power of God preserve us; may the hand of God protect us;

may the way of God direct us; may the love of God go with us. Amen."
Memorial service
"Almighty God, c>ur Heavenly Father, who hast dominion over life and death, grant to us the grace to

remember with love and reverence our valiant and honored departed comrade. Grant peace and eternal
rest to those who have gone before us, and make us ready for that last hour. Strengthen and console those
in sorrow and bestow upon us Thy everlasting blessing. Amen."

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