The Final Salute. The Last Full Measure of Respect.
Every American who wore the uniform has earned one thing at the end of the road: to be sent home with honor.
The VFW Post 969 Honor Guard exists for that moment — the folded flag, the three volleys, the twenty-four notes of Taps drifting across the cemetery. We render military funeral honors for eligible veterans across Tacoma and Pierce County, present the colors at civic and patriotic events, and stand watch wherever a veteran needs to be remembered.
No veteran should be laid to rest without a salute.
Since 1899, VFW Post honor guards have carried out one of the organization's most sacred duties: honoring the fallen. The VFW Congressional Charter itself directs us to "perpetuate the memory and history of our dead" — and Post 969 has kept that promise since our chartering in August 1939.vfw
At Post 969, our Honor Guard renders honors regardless of whether the veteran was a member of our Post. If they served — honorably — we show up.
When the family of a deceased veteran requests it, the Post 969 Honor Guard provides a full ceremony that includes:
🔫 The Three-Volley Rifle Salute
Seven riflemen (when available) fire three volleys in unison. The tradition dates back to the old battlefield custom of firing three volleys to signal that the dead had been cared for and both sides were ready to continue. Today, the three volleys stand for Duty, Honor, and Country.
🎺 The Sounding of Taps
The 24 sacred notes of Taps are sounded by a live bugler whenever possible — a final farewell to the veteran.
🇺🇸 The Flag Folding
The flag draping the casket is folded 13 times into the traditional triangle, echoing the three-cornered hats of colonial soldiers in the Revolutionary War. Each fold has a symbolic meaning.
🕊️ The Flag Presentation
The folded flag is presented to the next of kin with the words:
"On behalf of the President of the United States, the [branch of service], and a grateful nation, please accept this flag as a symbol of our appreciation for your loved one's honorable and faithful service."
Three spent shell casings — one for Duty, one for Honor, one for Country — are traditionally tucked inside the folded flag as a lasting reminder of the salute.
The Post 969 Honor Guard does more than render funeral honors. When called, we also serve:
🇺🇸 Color Guard duties — Posting and retiring the colors (U.S. flag, Washington state flag, POW/MIA flag, and Post/service flags) at parades, ceremonies, sports games, and civic events
🎖️ Memorial Day and Veterans Day ceremonies across Pierce County
🕊️ POW/MIA Recognition Day (third Friday of September) — see our POW/MIA page →
🏛️ Community and civic events — dedications, school assemblies, scout ceremonies, memorial services
🔥 Flag retirement ceremonies — see our Americanism page →
🎗️ Loyalty Day (May 1) ceremonies and parades
🎖️ Welcome-home ceremonies for returning veterans
⚓ Ship christenings, base events, and military anniversary programs
Under federal law (10 U.S.C. §1491), every eligible veteran is entitled to military funeral honors free of charge.militaryonesource
Eligible:
✅ Military members who died while on active duty
✅ Veterans discharged from active service under honorable or under-honorable conditions
✅ Selected Reserve members discharged under honorable or under-honorable conditions
✅ Members of the Commissioned Officer Corps of the Public Health Service (PHS) and NOAA
✅ Certain civilian/contractual groups with active-duty designations
Not eligible:
❌ Anyone discharged under dishonorable conditions
❌ Anyone convicted of a federal or state capital crime
❌ Tier III sex offenders
Proof of service required: A DD Form 214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) is the most common proof. If lost, families can request a copy through the National Archives or by submitting Standard Form 180.
For a funeral:
Families typically request military funeral honors through their funeral director, who coordinates directly with the military branch of service and local honor guards like Post 969.
Families or funeral directors can also contact Post 969 directly:
📞 253-272-1405
✉️ adj@vfw969.org
For color guard at parades, ceremonies, or civic events:
Please contact the Post at least two weeks in advance whenever possible, so we can properly schedule members.
For flag retirement:
Drop off worn or torn flags any time — we conduct retirement ceremonies with dignity. See our Americanism page →.
All Honor Guard services are provided free of charge. By tradition and by rule, the Honor Guard never solicits or accepts payment for rendering honors. Donations to Post 969 to support Honor Guard uniforms, ammunition, and equipment are always welcome and gratefully received.
Under federal law, the Department of Defense provides a minimum two-person detail — including one member of the veteran's branch of service — to play Taps and present the flag. This is often supplied by the Washington Army or Air National Guard.
But VFW honor guards fill the critical gap: the rifle volleys, the additional pallbearers, the color guard, and the standing watch that active-duty details are no longer resourced to provide. Since the end of World War II, the U.S. Army has supplied ceremonial ammunition to VFW Posts nationwide for exactly this purpose.vfw
That's why volunteer VFW honor guards matter. Without us, most veterans wouldn't get the full salute the nation intends.
The Post 969 Honor Guard is always looking for members to serve. If you are:
A VFW Post 969 member or eligible to join (see membership →)
Physically able to handle ceremonial rifles, marching, and outdoor service in all weather
Willing to commit time to training and practice
Ready to serve at funerals, ceremonies, and community events
Come stand with us.
Training is provided. Uniform components are supported by the Post. What we ask in return is your time, your dignity, and your promise that no veteran in Pierce County will be laid to rest without a proper farewell.
📞 253-272-1405 · ✉️ adj@vfw969.org
"As an Honor Guard member is poised to present the folded triangle flag, the rifle line fires three volleys that signify duty, honor and country. Then the bugler sounds Taps. The deep emotions of the families during this moment are what compel all our Honor Guard members to do their best in honoring veterans. Their sacrifice will always be remembered."
— VFW Honor Guard Membervfw
VFW Post 969 — Eric G. Sandstrom Post
📍 3510 McKinley Ave, Tacoma, WA 98404
📞 253-272-1405
✉️ adj@vfw969.org
🌐 vfw969.org
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"To perpetuate the memory and history of our dead."
— VFW Congressional Charter, since 1899
No one does more for veterans.