Unfortunately my 75 year old grandfather-in-law passed away this week. He was a Marine and a local firefighter active to the day of his death. During the services, the marines were there paying their last respects. My mother-in- law, as she was standing by, was wondering what the procedure that takes place during the ceremony was. At one point, the officer performing the ceremony was handing the flag to my grandmother. He was speaking to her softy for her to hear and pulling three medals, of some sort, to his lips and then placing them on the flag she was now holding. Our question was, does anyone know what the three medals the officer was holding were, or what he was saying during the ceremony?
Any info will be informative.
Looking for feedback from marines or anyone experienced in this field.
Thank you in advance
Dave
Replies
Also, at one point two marines were standing face to face before the presentation of the flag and spoke... What did they say?
And to add one more thing to the previous, the medals were actually bullet shells from the three rounds shot into the air from the other soldiers.
What did they represent? Why were they given with the flag? What was said?
Thanks again
Dave -
My condolence to you on your loss.
I cannot answer as to the medals or the words exchanged between the two Marines. But as an Army officer I did have the privilege of presenting the flag once and I would think the same is said by all services (for the Army it is specified in a regulation). "I present this flag on behalf of the Commander in Chief and a grateful nation." Of course, if the presenter knows the recipient a personal word can be added. And, interestingly, the part about the Commander in Chief could be omitted, at least when I did my presentation. I don't have an up to date regulation to check, so someone might well correct me.
Dale Barber
Sorry I can't answer your question. I'm responding only to say that I've (unfortunately) attended a number of army burials and do not recall seeing that specific ritual. Must be unique to the marine corps.
Sorry about your grandfather. The most recent military funeral I attended was my grandmother's, who lost one husband and two sons military in military service.
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