Honor Guard - Wreaths across America

[Reader5567]

How does the CAP Honor Guard participate in Wreaths Across America? i am interested in the proper procedure for honoring the fallen at each grave.

[Angus]

CAP's ceremonial involvement varies wing by wing.  In MAWG those coming from CAP form up for the ceremony and speeches.  Local CAP Chaplin if available will give the benediction, speech by a member of the KofC who is one of the other huge supporters of Wreathes Across America.  After the ceremonies people just go and place the wreathes on the graves, no ceremony just place the wreath so it looks good then move onto the next grave.   

[kwe1009]

CAP Honor Guard participates in WAA at Arlington National Cemetery and many other locations across the country.  The proper way to put the wreath on a grave is to lay the wreath so that it is at a 45 degree angle with the ground.  This makes it less likely to fall or be blown over by the wind.  It should be placed ceremonially (not fast) and with dignity.  After placing the wreath you should stand at attention and salute the grave.  The salute should be ceremonial as well.  This may take time but the goal of placing wreaths is to honor the dead, not be done by a certain time. 

[Eaker Guy]

CAP Honor Guard participates in WAA at Arlington National Cemetery and many other locations across the country.  The proper way to put the wreath on a grave is to lay the wreath so that it is at a 45 degree angle with the ground.  This makes it less likely to fall or be blown over by the wind.  It should be placed ceremonially (not fast) and with dignity.  After placing the wreath you should stand at attention and salute the grave.  The salute should be ceremonial as well.  This may take time but the goal of placing wreaths is to honor the dead, not be done by a certain time.

+1

[LSThiker]

Here is the link that CAP NHQ provides as a "QuickStart" for the Wreaths Across America.  Suggest you follow it and modify it for local use as permitted in the guide.

http://www.capmembers.com/media/cms/CAP2014_Wreaths_Across_America_Quic_572D0C4515448.pdf

[dwb]

Col Ziggy Bernfeld is the project officer for the big WAA ceremony at Arlington this year. Expect to see more information about that event in the next couple of months.