Semper Fi #1 Memorial Honor Detail 2011

Semper Fi #1 is one of the Memorial Honor Details of the Riverside National Cemetery, Riverside, California, which is located adjacent to the March Air Reserve Base. Currently there are 27 individual details of which Semper Fi #1 is MHD #15. The unit is a 501(c)3 corporation with an elected Board of Directors who serve a two-year term.

The group was formed in 1997 by Master Sergeant Wes Morret, USMC (ret), and seven others who were determined to ensure that every veteran of the United States Military establishment, including the U.S. Coast Guard, is afforded final military honors upon request.

In 1995 due to the closure of some of our military bases and the downsizing of others, the rendering of military honors for deceased veterans being interred at the Riverside National Cemetery had become almost non-existent for more than a year.

A small group of concerned veterans decided that it was time to do something about this lack of final honors for their fallen comrades and the Memorial Honor Detail (MHD) was founded. An executive committee was formed and team recruitment began immediately, primarily from existing veterans organizations' honor details and color guards.

In May 1996 the Memorial Honor Detail began providing services at the Riverside National Cemetery with only three teams and two dispatchers. Today the MHD provides services every working day of the month and has over 500 volunteers, including 28 teams, 9 dispatchers, 2 qualified armors, and a 14-member board of directors.

The all-volunteer unit is composed of veterans of the United States Marine Corps including active, reserve, retired and honorably discharged veterans who are entitled to wear the uniform for ceremonial purposes. Members provide their own uniforms and equipment at their own expense. The unit performs services once per month on the second Friday providing two teams; "Scarlet" and "Gold". Services are performed for all veterans regardless of branch. Beginning in 2010, The "Blue" team will perform services on the fourth Thursday.

Military honors begin with the team escorting the casket or remains to the shelter. The senior team member introduces the team and commands, "Bugler, Sound Attention!" Next the rifle team leader commands the assigned riflemen and delivers the 3-volley salute. "Taps" is then played by the bugler. When available, a bagpiper plays various songs including "Amazing Grace" as the flag is folded and prepared for delivery to the family. In the case of a deceased U.S. Marine, a poem is read and the Marine Corps Hymn is played. The family is given a certificate from U.S. Congresswoman Mary Bono Mack. Finally the team reassembles and departs while the funeral service is completed.

Category:

Nonprofits & Activism

Tags:

• Marines
• Military Honors
• Burial
• National Cemetery

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Outstanding!!! Marine

[preyten]

Very nice slide show Sir i respect you god be with you this took heart.