Serving with honor

One day a year, Americans take a moment to pause from their busy schedules and offer thanks and gratitude to the individuals who fought to defend the nation's freedom.

Larry Koehler, member of the American Legion Post 158 Honor Guard in Jackson, said he believes showing appreciation is a necessary and small gesture Americans should always remember, not only on Nov. 11, but every day.

"It's something we need to recognize," he said. "I think it's too easy for people to forget and not think of the sacrifices people have made so we could have our freedom."

Koehler served eight years of active duty in the Navy from 1964 to 1971, stationed on the East Coast. When he retired as commander of the American Legion Post 158 in 2005, he sought to join the Honor Guard. Koehler said he first became interested in the Honor Guard after watching them at a funeral. Koehler was voted into the group in 2006 by Honor Guard members. Since his election, Koehler said he is continually able to honor and show his appreciate toward veterans.

Most people know the honor guard presents the colors at various community events, marching in with an American flag, Missouri state flag and the POW-MIA flag.

Joe Don Randol, a 10-year member and current captain of the American Legion Post 158 Honor Guard, said he was honored when he was first approached about joining. As an active member of the American Legion Post 158, Randol was familiar with the Honor Guard and held a high level of respect for the members.

Since his election as captain in the summer, Randol said his duties in the Honor Guard have expanded to presiding at meetings and acting as the public relations representative for the group by organizing its participation in various functions. Members participate in events at schools, churches, senior centers, ceremonies and parades. However, Randol and Koehler agree the most important function of the Honor Guard is its presence at the wake of a fellow service member.

"Our presence at a funeral service, to me, is the ultimate way to show respect for deceased veterans," Koehler said.

While all functions are on a voluntary basis for members, Randol said, Honor Guard attendance at a funeral is typically high.

"Most members will make extreme efforts to be at a wake," he said.

The American Legion Honor Guard service at the wake of a veteran lasts about 30 minutes. Honor Guard members file in, view the deceased, salute the flag and great the survivors. One of them will place a poppy in the hand of the deceased. The poppy is the symbol of the American Legion.

"It's just a way of kind of expressing our brotherhood with all veterans," Koehler said. "It's a way of saying goodbye to a comrade and recognizing the sacrifice they made in defending our country."

Randol is a Navy veteran who served two years of active duty from 1960 to 1962, on the USS Norfolk stationed in Norfolk, Va. He said he never witnessed any major conflicts while serving.

He said his membership in the Honor Guard has been a life-changing experience, which he continues to enjoy every day.

"There's a certain amount of honor that comes with it, and when there's any amount of honor, it's bound to change your life," he said.