 |
|
|
FALLEN
MARINE PROGRAM INTERPRETATION
|
Pocket Crest in the left top suit pocket
will identify the committee and present a neat and professional
appearance. White gloves are optional. A Marine League
uniform cap, worn with a suit, is also optional. The wearing
of gloves and hats however should be consistent with all
presenters. Appearance is an important consideration. Suits
and uniforms are appropriate dress, but an out of shape
former Marine, in a Marine Corps uniform, may not project
the desired appearance at a “Fallen Marine Honor
Service.”
- Upon entering the funeral home or place of visitation,
the “presenter” should seek out the funeral
director or person in charge. The director or person in
charge can identify the spouse or next of kin and give
helpful information and advice. The “presenter” should
introduce him/herself to the next of kin as a member of
the “Marine Corps League” and inform him/her
of the pending presentation. The funeral director may also
perform this duty. After the family has been seated or
brought together and at the designated time, the “presenter” and
assistants should begin the presentation. ---If there are
two or more members, they should line up at the back of
the chapel. When “Church Call” begins, the
committee marches, in step, to the casket or place of honor
and stands at attention. If “Church Call” is
not played, follow the same procedures. At the start of
the “Marine Corps Hymn” a hand salute will
be presented and held until completion of the hymn. Salutes
should be slow and in unison. The committee should then
turn, in the same direction, and approach the next of kin.
Only the League member designated as the “presenter” should
voice the presentation. The assistants can present the
certificate and pendant at the appropriate time. Music
should not be played if only one MCL member is to make
the presentation. The single MCL member should first introduce
him/herself to the wife or next of kin as a representative
of the MCL. Also inform them of his/her intent to honor
the “Fallen Marine” and family. Then he/she
should proceed to the casket or place of honor, salute,
and return to the family to make the presentation. (Page
5, “Wording of Presentation” paragraph
4).
- Presentations may also be made at the home of the spouse
or next of kin several days after the funeral. The certificate
and pendant may also be mailed. Circumstances may dictate
or the League may choose to use one of these alternate
delivery methods.
- When the funeral director first interviews the family
of the fallen Marine, he will inform them of our services.
He will know if there are any potential problems or
complications. Example: Man married twice, children
from both wives--- problems within the family etc.
Presenters should be prepared for an unwelcome or unexpected
reception. The fallen Marine and/or their family may
have had disagreements with the V.A., the government,
or the Marine Corps. Some families may not welcome
League Honors. Presenters must use their own good judgment
of how to handle an unwelcome reception. If the family
is not receptive and/or if circumstances permit, the “presenter” may explain that the
honor is from the “Marine Corps League” which
is an organization of Marines and former Marines. If
circumstances do not permit, make your apologies and
leave.
Flag Presentation
Most funeral homes present an American
Flag to the family at the visitation or gravesite. If a flag
is not to be offered by the funeral home, one can be obtained
from the U. S. Post Office, free of
[CONTINUE TO PAGE 4]
|
|
|
|
