CENTRAL COAST
LEATHERNECK
HONOR GUARD
WE PROVIDE MILITARY HONORS FOR VETERANS FROM ALL BRANCHES OF SERVICE
PROUDLY SERVING SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY
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Military Honors are extended to veterans from all branches of service at their funerals or memorial services.
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All ceremonies are conducted in a manner that maintains military traditions.
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Military Honors ceremonies recognize and appreciation the sacrifices made by their loved ones, for our flag, and grateful nation.
SERVICES
The Honor Guard is made up of volunteers and our services are offered free.
We are a (501-C-3 non-profit) and accept donations to cover operational expenses.
Scroll down to browse our full set of services...
RIFLE SALUTE
Three rounds are fired by the Honor Guard to commence the Military Honors service. Originally, during the Civil War, the rifles fired over battlefield graves to indicate that the dead had been cared for. This practice is still followed today at funerals and memorials to honor all veterans that have an honorable discharge from the US military.
PLAYING OF TAPS
“Taps” is an American Bugle call, composed by the Union Army’s Brigadier General Daniel Butterfield in 1862. The call soon became known as “Taps” because it was often tapped out on a drum in the absence of a bugler. Within the year both the North and South Army’s were playing “Taps” at the burial of their solders. “Taps” was officially adopted by the U.S. Army in 1874.
FOLDING OF FLAG
The American Flag is folded into a triangular shape with only the blue field with stars showing. The shape of the flag when completely folded takes on the appearance of a “cocked hat. This shape is reminiscent of the hats worn by the soldiers, sailors and marines that served under Gen. George Washington and Capt. John Paul Jones.
PRESENTATION OF FLAG
The United States Flag drapes the casket of deceased veterans to honor their service to America. The flag is placed so that the blue field with stars is at the head over the left shoulder of the deceased. When there is no casket, the flag may be draped over a table or held by one of the Honor Guard members. The flag is carefully folded into the symbolic tri-cornered shape and is presented to the next of kin or other appropriate family member as a keepsake. The burial flag should never be opened again.
CONTACT US
HOW TO CONTACT THE CENTRAL COAST LEATHERNECK HONOR GUARD
The Honor Guard is made up of volunteers and our services are offered free.
We are a (501-C-3 non-profit) and accept donations to cover operational expenses.
To make arrangements for your loved one to receive Military Honors
as part of your acknowledgement of their patriotic contribution to our country you can:
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Inform your Mortuary Funeral Director of your desire.
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Download VA Form 27-2008, take it and SLO County death certificate to your local US Post Office and they will give you the Burial Flag. In many cases the mortuary can assist you.
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Call the Honor Guard direct at: 805.400.5340
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Or eMail: ccleatherneckhonorguard@gmail.com
Central Coast Leatherneck Honor Guard
3940-7 Broad Street, #357
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
MEMBERSHIP
JOIN THE CENTRAL COAST LEATHERNECK HONOR GUARD
We need a few good Marines. If you were honorably discharged from the Marine Corps, and would like to volunteer again, please contact us about joining. You’ll experience the pride of putting on the Dress Blue uniform again and joining a great group of Marines. Participating in “Military Honors” ceremony for veterans and their families is a notable and gratifying service.
What it takes to be an HONOR GUARD:
The Central Coast Leatherneck Honor Guard is comprised of veterans who served in the United States Marines Corps. They volunteer their time and maintain their uniform and appearance according to Marine Corps or Military regulations.
DRESS CODE:
When performing in Military Honor Ceremonies all Honor Guard members must wear military type shoes with a high shine, their uniform must be clean, tailored to fit, and worn in accordance with Military regulations. Sun glasses or dark glasses may not be worn during the ceremony.
APPEARANCE CODE:
When attending a funeral or memorial service, as a member of the Leatherneck Honor Guard you will always have a clean shaved face. A mustache must be trimmed and cannot extend below the upper lip. Hair must be short and the hair on the back of the neck cannot touch the collar. Sideburns cannot extend below the middle of the ear. Female members must wear their hair in accordance with Military regulations.
Apply for membership:
APPLICATION FORM
Download and complete the application form and attach your DD214 and mail to:
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Central Coast Leatherneck Honor Guard
3940-7 Broad Street, #357
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
