AMERICAN LEGION
PONY EXPRESS POST 359
4826 FREDERICK AVENUE
ST. JOSEPH, MISSOURI 64506 - 3244
(816) - 232 - 2335
A flag draped coffin is brought to the burial plot. Family and loved ones listen to the final
eulogy. A detail removes the flag from the casket and solemnly folds it into a tight triangle shape. As the flag is presented to the
bereaved, an honor guard is called to attention. They shoulder their rifles and fire a final salute to their departed comrade. As the last echoes from the guns fade away, the mournful sound of "taps" from a bugler says a final farewell to a departed soldier.
This service is performed at cemeteries across the nation for America's departed veterans and active duty military fatalities as a final tribute from the nation for their service and sacrifice. For many veterans in the St. Joseph area, that tribute is provided courtesy of the American Legion Pony Express Post 359 Honor Guard. The Honor Guard's members provide military honors to any eligible veteran upon request of the family. According to a report from the American Legion Department of Missouri in 2002, Post 359's Honor Guard had provided over 90% of the military honor services in Buchanan County, a total of over 200 such acts.
Post 359 formed its Honor Guard in 1999. Robert Beaver is the Honor Guard Commander. The Honor Guard's three female members, Dorothy Wylie, Carol Vanscoy and Lori Burns provide for folding of the flag. The male members of the Honor Guard - Tony Drennen, Bob Hunt, Wayne Simpson, Orville Ezzell, Ralph Powell, Jess Marriott, Victor Trout, Pete Heckel, Tom McMurray,
Larry Waller, Keith Grable, Edsel Gray, Ralph Hornsby,
Ken Trant, Ronald Vey and Delbert Martin - provide the final firing squad salute and the playing of
"Taps".
Anyone who wants information on the Honor Guard or to schedule them to provide military honors at a veteran's gravesite should call Post 359 at 232-2335.
Members of the Honor Guard, preparing for the Final Salute.
{From L-R: Dorothy Wylie, Tony Drennen, Bob Hunt, Wayne Simpson, Orville Ezzell, Ralph Powell,
Jess Marriott, Victor Trout, Pete Heckel, Louis Michelis, Tom McMurray}
The Honor Guard Renders a Salute.
The Honor Guard fires a rifle volley to salute the departed veteran.
Bugler Louis Michaelis plays "Taps".
Honor Guard members not pictured - Carol Vanscoy, Lori Burns, Robert Beaver,
Keith Grable, Edsel Gray, Ralph Hornsby, Delbert Martin, Ken Trant and Ronald Vey.
If you are interested in our Honor Guard providing military rites,
call the Post at 816 - 232 - 2335.
