The Third Platoon...
Honor & Color Guard
Joe Barr Post 194 is proud to have established its Honor Guard and Color Guard over 40 years ago—two traditions that continue to serve the Mason community with dedication and respect.
The Color Guard proudly appears at parades, school ceremonies, and civic events throughout the City of Mason, representing the American Legion with pride. The Honor Guard holds a solemn and vital role, providing Military Honors at the funerals or memorials of our fallen veterans—ensuring they receive the dignified tribute they have earned through their service.
To request the attendance of the Honor or Color Guard OR to join:
Two figures stood on a hill overlooking an internment at the Veteran's Cemetery in Seville.
"Hey, Sarge, what are you doing here?"
"I've come to escort you to the Third Platoon's last formation, Ernie. The guys who didn't get it on the beach or during our little stroll across Europe have passed away over the years and they're waiting for us. You know you were the last one alive?"
"Yeah, that's me down there; I died a couple of days ago. What happened to you?"
"I made it through the war and stayed in the Army. My mistake. I bought it in Korea."
"What are they doing down there? There's a bunch of guys my age in a color guard and a rifle salute team. There's even a bugler."
"They're getting ready to render military honors for you, Ernie. They do it for all veterans if the family requests it."
"Who are they?"
"They're in veterans’ groups like the American Legion. They volunteer to spend a day here every few weeks and render military honors for veterans interned that day. They also provide color guards and march in parades. They do a lot of good things for their communities and other veterans."
"Gee, I wish I'd known about them. It would have been an honor to do that for other veterans."
"It's too late now, Ernie. We'd better come to attention and salute—they're getting ready to fire the rifle salute and blow taps for you."
A couple of minutes later it was over. The flag was folded and presented to Ernie's widow.
"That was nice, Sarge. Did you see my family down there? They sure seemed to appreciate the honors ceremony."
"Yeah, Ernie. It was nice. Now it's time to join up with the rest of the guys. Turn around and look down to the bottom of the hill."
The Third Platoon stood in formation with Lt. Keeler and the Platoon Sergeant waiting for Ernie and his old squad leader to walk down between the headstones to meet them. The roster was now complete. The Third Platoon was all present and accounted for.
