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charge. VA form #21-2008 must be completed
and submitted to receive a flag (see page 11). The funeral
director can assist by requesting necessary military information
from the family. It is recommended that a flag be applied
for, in advance, in the event of short notice from a funeral
home. Form #21-2008 can be given to the Post Office after
services and a new flag obtained. Prior approval should be
obtained from the Post Master.
The funeral home or the family may request the MCL make a flag presentation
at the visitation or memorial service. This may occur when there will not be
a flag folding service at the grave site or when a grave site is not required,
such as cremation services. The flag presentation may commence directly after
completion of the “Fallen Marine” service or at the end of the
funeral or memorial service. If the flag is to be presented at the end of the
funeral or memorial service, all presenters should leave the chapel following
the “Fallen Marine” service. They should stand by until the end
of services and at the appointed time, proceed with the flag presentation.
If flag presentation is to be directly following the completion of the “Fallen
Marine” service, the committee turns and proceeds to the place where
the flag is displayed. Only two members are required for this service; the
remaining members should proceed to the rear of the chapel and stand at attention.
When “Taps” is played, all members will give a slow hand salute
and hold until end of “Taps.” The “presenter” turns
and faces the second MCL member. The second MCL member then steps up to the
flag and gives a slow hand salute. He picks up the flag, turns, and stops in
front of the “presenter” (point of the flag facing the presenter).
The “presenter” salutes the flag and takes it from the second member.
The second member then salutes the flag, turns and proceeds to the rear of
the chapel to join the other members. The “presenter” turns and
stops in front of the wife or next of kin and makes the presentation. (page
5, “Wording of Presentation” paragraph 5). After the presentation,
he will salute the recipient (slowly) then turn and leave. If a Ceremonial
Bugle is used, the bugler should follow instructions included with the purchase
of the bugle. (www.ceremonialbugle.com)
Presentation Committee
It is preferable that the Committee consists
of not less then 2 nor more than 7 representatives: Odd numbers
(3,5,7) work best. The “presenter and 1, 2, or 3 on
each side. If the “presenter” cannot recruit
one or more assistants, he may present alone (page 3 see
5) or he may choose to use methods listed (page 3 see 6).
There is no limit to the number of League members who may
attend and support the presentation committee.
An updated list should be kept in the “Fallen Marine Program” notebook
of every MCL member willing to serve on the Presentation Committee. The list
should include: name, address, home, business, and cell phone, work hours,
and hours available. Sometimes funeral homes give short notice. The above information
will help the “presenter” locate and recruit assistants. Every
member of the committee should be given a copy of the “Fallen Marine
Program,” in a binder, and should be prepared to be the “presenter” and
lead the committee.
The “presenter” should carry a well-supplied briefcase with blank
certificates, forms and merchandise. He should also have a floppy disk or CD
with all printing programs. When the “presenter” arrives at the
funeral home, he should check the certificate for correct spelling and its
condition. The name of the fallen Marine should be checked with funeral home
records. If there is a problem, a new certificate can be printed using funeral
home equipment
Fallen Marine Information
Form
A blank copy of this form should be furnished
to each funeral home. They should make copies, so it will
be available when needed. They should be encouraged to fill
out every line item
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