Our Purpose
The purpose of the American Legion Post 491 along with the VFW 4600 and the PLAV Post 188, better known as the Combined Veterans of McHnery Honor Guard join to honor the service and sacrifice of honorably discharged veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces and their families. The dedicated members of the Combined Veterans of McHnery Honor Guard render military honors at an average of 50 funerals per year for veterans in northern Illinois.
It Is Our Privilege
The Combined Veterans of McHnery Honor Guard considers it an honor and a privilege to serve the families of deceased veterans; therefore, our team members aspire and adhere to the highest standards of The Combined Veterans of McHnery Honor Guard protocols and professionalism. We currently have XXX volunteer Post members serving on our Funeral Honors Team, which is comprised of Legionnaires, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and Polish Legion of American Veterans members.
Military Funeral Honors
The rendering of Military Funeral Honors for an eligible veteran, free of charge, is mandated by law. A military funeral demands detailed information and specific steps to be taken. Families are entitled to a flag folding, flag presentation, and the playing of taps. At the funeral or gravesite, the honors from our Post will include a 3-volley rifle salute, folding and presentation of the flag (by us or military members), and the playing of taps. The family is also presented with the shells from the rifle salute.
Post Everlasting
If the Veteran is a member of Post 491, the family is also read and presented with a Post Everlasting Certificate, which reads:
"Whereas, It has pleased Almighty God, the Great Commander, to summon to the immortal legions our beloved comrade, _____________, and Whereas, We humbly bow to the will of Divine Providence, while ever cherishing in our hearts the memory of distinguished service to our country and outstanding contributions to American Legion comradeship; now, therefore, be in Resolved, Post 491, The American Legion does mourn the passing of our comrade, _____________, That we commend to all the works, and to God the spirit; and be it further Resolved, That in token of our common grief, a copy of this resolution transferring _____________ to Post Everlasting, The American Legion, be presented to the next of kin."
We Will Be There
Regardless of the weather conditions (or COVID-19), The Combined Veterans of McHnery Honor Guard will be there when called upon to serve.
You can request us or your funeral director will take care of arranging Military Honors at your request.