Honor Guard

Many ministers have had the privilege of serving their country in some branch of the military, while also serving in the service of God.   However, others have had the honor of being in the service of God, without military experience. Both are great privileges. Those who served in the military, upon the minister’s death, have the opportunity of being honored with a special ceremony from a grateful nation.  This ceremony includes a flag draped casket and honor guards. Those who have faithfully served, in the service of God, should have nothing less. Ministers, upon their death, should have the opportunity of being honored with a special ceremony from a grateful church.  A program called “Ministerial Honor Guards” has been established, which would be made available to the families of our ministers, in the Delmarva-DC region, and would consist of the following:

1.     A minimum of eight (8) ministers to serve as honor guards or pallbearers from each of four (4) areas in our region.   Said areas, being Greater Baltimore area, Greater Washington area, Western Maryland area and the Eastern Shore area.   (This would be on a volunteer basis)

2.    A Christian flag is provided for the casket, when desired by the family.

3.    At the conclusion of the service the flag is to be ceremonially folded and presented to the family by the Regional Bishop or his representative.  If the family has chosen not to drape the casket with a flag, then a pre -folded flag can be presented.

4.    Honor Guard to stand at the casket, during the viewings and prior to the service, showing appreciation for the deceased. (If Family Desires)

5.    All the ministers in attendance at the service form a double line for the deceased minister’s casket to pass through as it departed, showing honor.

NOTE: The area coordinator is to obtain twelve volunteers that will be willing to serve.  Out of the twelve (12), eight (8) can be more easily activated when needed.