A VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars) honor guard is a volunteer team of honorably discharged veterans who provide ceremonial military honors at veteran funerals, community events, and patriotic gatherings.
Core Duties and Services
- Military Funerals:
The primary mission is rendering final honors for deceased veterans, which includes folding and presenting the American flag to the next of kin, performing a three-volley rifle salute, and playing Taps. These services are typically provided regardless of whether the deceased was a VFW member.
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- Color Guard Support:
Presenting and retiring the national and state colors (flags) at civic meetings, memorial services, parades, and community events.
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- Ammunition and Support:
Ceremonial rifle blanks used by local VFW posts for funeral volleys are frequently supplied through partnerships with military logistics commands like the Joint Munitions Command
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Membership and Challenges
- Volunteers:
Local honor guards are composed entirely of local post volunteers who dedicate significant time in all weather conditions.
- Active Need:
Many posts face a shortage of younger members due to competing career and family obligations, leading to an aging volunteer base that strives to maintain this critical service for families.
Updated 9/2026
