Mission Honor Guard needs more members

Editor,

It is time again to honor the veterans of our nation and especially those who have given the supreme sacrifice to our beloved country.

Every person in the United States should be in deep gratitude for the many who have served whether they were inducted or volunteered.

The St. Ignatius Honor Guard was formed some time in the early 1940s when it was very popular to be considered a veteran. I can remember the Orr brothers in particular, as being very visible in all veteran affairs, especially at funerals and parades. Of course in those days there seemed to be a lot of men in uniform in our small town. Some of the others I remember were the Felsmans, the Hunters, the Bourdons, the Finleys, the McDonalds, the Deckers, the Matts, the Allisons, and the Ashleys.

Of course those were my family's relatives and close friends, I am sure it would only take a moment for you to remember others that I never mentioned, not because I want to disregard them, only because those I mentioned were most vivid in my memory.

Because I respected and revered them so much, I felt it was my duty to do my best to show that same respect given to others who have served since. Those who were active with the Honor Guard when I joined them in the early 1960s were Mike and Bill Durglo, Dan Tellier, Gilbert Michel, Louie, Charlie, and George Blood, Mike and Ron Trahan, Joe "Dog" Felsman, Baptiste Pichette, Gene and Bo Sorrell, and Clarence Woodcock. Three of the ones mentioned above have passed away. Only five are active.

The problem they are having now is that most who have been unable to fall out, like myself, are not being replaced with fresh replacements. As time goes on many more active Honor Guard members will be unable to fall out for veterans' funerals and other affairs.

I wish I knew the reason for not joining the Honor Guard, maybe there is something we could do to remedy the problem. Whatever the reason, more new members are needed to replace those who cannot attend the functions any longer, mostly because of physical ailments.

It is very difficult to fully express the feeling of accomplishment and pride to offer to the bereaved family and community, a final gravesite rite that is so richly deserved by the deceased.

Les Tellier

Mission Valley Honor Guard

St. Ignatius