Since 1979, the dedicated volunteers of the Memorial
Rifle Squad at Fort Snelling National Cemetery have
provided our departed US Veterans with Military Honors.
More about MRS Honors statistics. 

 

Our US Veterans have earned our Nations respect
and deserve a Final Salute with a Honor Guard
Presentation.  A Rifle Volley, Taps, and
presentation of a folded flag to a family
survivor, become part of their legacy.

Click on the underlined Blue
words and the Images for DETAILS.  

 

In Memory of George Weiss, one of the original founders of the
Memorial Rifle Squad.  In 2012,  President Obama presented him
with a Citizens Award for his contributions to our Nations Veterans. 
George passed away on June 4, 2021 at age 92.  He was buried at
Fort Snelling National Cemetery on June 19th, 2021.  Here is a
WCCO News Video Summary of George’s contributions.
Read more about him inGeorge’s Obituary.

 

Planning a Vet Funeral Assistance		Pre-plan, info and docs req, contacts list, flag boxes, free urns, & more
Fort Snelling Funeral Restrictions		COVID public restrictions for Fort Snelling military funerals
MRS’s dedication		MRS services regardless of the weather
Join our MRS Volunteers		More about joining MRS
MRS in The News		The latest news & MRS awards

 

The Last Duty Call

I am a veteran and have served my country.
I am here to receive military honors.
I am here for may last earthly call to service.
As I arrive at the cemetery pavilion, the color guard is called
to attention.  My branch of service flag dips and I am saluted.

Announcements state this ceremony consists of three distinct elements…
* Three loud rifle volleys announce I have sacrificed for my country and
   can be laid honorably to rest.
    * A distant bugler plays the memorable twenty-four notes of taps signifying
   my interment, and that God is nigh and all is well.
    * With precision and care, the flag of my country is folded.  The folds slowly
   encase life’s brilliant red and white stripes which disappear into the dark
   blue with stars, a symbol of nightfall, a time for my rest and eternal peace.

The presenter gives my flag to a loved one as a lasting symbol of honorable
service.  Three shell casings from the rifle volleys are included to reflect…
DUTY, HONOR and SACRIFICE.
The ceremony ends with one final salute honoring our country and my service.
This is a place of peace and lasting remembrance.
I am like all soldiers at this sacred place.  Our tombstones
remain as a symbol of the cost of freedom.
This is my new and our last duty call.