Current:Home > InvestMilitary funerals at risk in Colorado due to dwindling number of volunteers for ceremonies -Pinnacle Profit Strategies
Military funerals at risk in Colorado due to dwindling number of volunteers for ceremonies
View
Date:2025-04-12 22:56:49
The organization that provides military funerals in Colorado is sounding an alarm. The All Veterans Honor Guard says unless it can attract more volunteers, it will dissolve and thousands of veterans may go without military honors.
"I've been out here when we've done 13 (funerals) in one day," says Colonel Les Kennedy. "I'm going to tell you,13 is a tough day."
He's among some 80 veterans who conduct more than 1,500 military funerals a year in Colorado.
"If you look," Kennedy observed, "we're all gray-haired. We're taking the place of the military. This is what happens. This is a military function by statute, by law."
But the military can't keep up, so volunteers like Kennedy and Alan Jaffe have stepped in.
"We're here for a purpose and it's not for ourselves," says Jaffe.
As team commander, he leads the services. All he knows of those who died is that they were willing to die for the U.S. "Each one is treated with the same respect and dignity that they deserve," Jaffe says.
The ceremony includes the playing of "Taps," the presentation of the American flag and a three-volley salute.
Jaffe called it "a sad duty of respect."
It is a duty they carry out with no pay.
"It's our honor to do this," says Kennedy.
But their ranks are thinning.
The timing of the funerals is difficult for young veterans with jobs, and the rifle fire is difficult for those with combat-related PTSD.
Kennedy wonders who will be there when they no longer can be. "I guess one day it will just die. If we don't get people coming out to join us, it'll just end," he lalments.
The All Veterans Honor Guard has conducted more than 23,000 military funerals in Colorado over the last 30 years. Right now, only veterans can join.
Some Honor Guard members say that may need to change if the organization is to survive, which would mean changing federal law.
For now, the group is asking any veteran willing to commit to even a few days a month to consider joining them.
Shaun BoydShaun Boyd is the Political Specialist at CBS News Colorado. Read her latest reports or check out her bio and send her an email.
TwitterveryGood! (8628)
Related
- 'Kraven the Hunter' spoilers! Let's dig into that twisty ending, supervillain reveal
- Project Runway’s Elaine Welteroth Pregnant, Expecting Baby No. 2 With Husband Jonathan Singletary
- US diplomat warns of great consequences for migrants at border who don’t choose legal pathways
- MLB draft's top prospects in 2024 College World Series: Future stars to watch in Omaha
- North Carolina trustees approve Bill Belichick’s deal ahead of introductory news conference
- Are prebiotic sodas like Poppi healthy? Here's what dietitians say after lawsuit filed
- Indian doctor says he found part of a human finger in his ice cream cone
- Donald Trump’s 78th birthday becomes a show of loyalty for his fans and fellow Republicans
- As Trump Enters Office, a Ripe Oil and Gas Target Appears: An Alabama National Forest
- AI startup Perplexity wants to upend search business. News outlet Forbes says it’s ripping them off
Ranking
- Sonya Massey's father decries possible release of former deputy charged with her death
- Supreme Court preserves access to abortion medication mifepristone | The Excerpt
- Caitlin Clark says 'people should not be using my name' to push hateful agendas
- TikTokers are eating raw garlic to cure acne in viral videos. Does it actually work?
- US appeals court rejects Nasdaq’s diversity rules for company boards
- Lena Dunham looks back on 'Girls' body-shaming: There is still 'resentment toward women'
- Tom Brady’s Kids Jack, Benjamin and Vivian Look All Grown Up in Family Photos
- Actor Christian Oliver's Ex-Wife Shares Touching Footage Months After Family’s Death in Plane Crash
Recommendation
Realtor group picks top 10 housing hot spots for 2025: Did your city make the list?
Kate Middleton Shares First Photo Since Detailing Cancer Diagnosis
Wells Fargo fires workers after allegedly catching them simulating keyboard activity
Virginia city repeals ban on psychic readings as industry grows and gains more acceptance
Finally, good retirement news! Southwest pilots' plan is a bright spot, experts say
Telehealth CEO charged in alleged $100 million scheme to provide easy access to Adderall, other stimulants
Microsoft delays controversial AI Recall feature on new Windows computers
Microsoft delays controversial AI Recall feature on new Windows computers