Reflections about the Honor Guard
By Kay L. Forbes Waco Police Department
Webster's defines the following:
HONOR - a keen sense of ethical conduct
GUARD - troops attached to the person of the sovereign (an acknowledged leader)
I began thinking today about our Honor Guard; the men and women who train, dress, and perform their duty at the funerals of fallen officers and retired officers. I've seen them many times perform these honorable duties and I am always in awe and I'm always thankful.
Their passion in representing a fallen Officer doesn't just remain here, in our own Department, these men and women travel in the State of Texas and represent us at the funerals of other Officers who have given their lives in the line of duty. Our profession builds within us a sense of "connection" that extends far beyond our own backyard, into other areas of our State, and into the hearts and memories of all who see them stand at attention, carry Old Glory, and fire the 21-gun salute as a last offering of respect and recognition during the passing of a fallen officer.
The respect and honor that oozes from these fine troops is so evident, even in the way they dress. The order of the day is long sleeve shirts, a red rope looped around their left shoulder, a white ascot, white gloves, their badges covered with a black ribbon indicating that one of our own is gone, polished boots, and their dress hats. The white of the ascot and of their gloves is crisp and pristine. The redness of their braided ropes is deep and rich in color. Their uniforms are pressed and neatly tucked in. Their boots are highly polished. These men and women are spectacular in appearance, rich in honor, and wonderful representatives of our Department and of our profession.
Perhaps the fallen is a man or woman who trained them when they were young; perhaps it was a father whose son now follows in his footsteps; perhaps it is a retired friend who we all still carry in our memories and hearts. Whatever the connection, the Honor Guard, finely tuned, standing ready, always represents.
During these solemn times I've often heard the family talk of how much it meant for the Honor Guard to stand guard over their loved one during visitation and then again at the beginning of the funeral. It's such a true sign of respect and remembrance of one who helped to build and change our Department; it's their way of saying one last goodbye to someone who meant a great deal to them in the days of old.
It's not just the families gathered for such a funeral that are in awe of the Honor Guard, those attending feel the same wonder and gratitude. Comments are whispered amongst the people regarding how wonderful they look, how perfect their precision, and what a wonderful sign of respect for the one who has passed, gone from our physical lives, but truly not forgotten.
I marvel at these men and women, as they walk, their lines are sleek and perfect, so much so that when they turn a certain way, only one is seen. It's as if they meld into one being, one entity with only one purpose, to bury their friend with honor.
Standing at graveside, knowing that the 21-gun salute will be offered to the sky, I still jump at the sharpness of sound as the triggers are pulled. We all jump at that sound. Sometimes young babies cry because they are frightened, sometimes old men cry because they remember a time long ago and for a moment it is alive for them once more. I know a tear will fall when one of the Honor Guard, United States flag neatly folded between gloved hands, leans over quietly to the one left behind, whispering their undying gratitude for the life now past. No voice is heard by those gathered, but we all know what is being said and we weep.
I recently spoke to one of the members of the Honor Guard, revealing to them how much I appreciated their efforts and what a fine job I felt they had always done during the many funerals I have attended over the years, and the humble reply I received was that there have been some mistakes, the Guard knew them. My reply was that no matter the mistakes, seen or unseen, the Honor Guard meant a great deal to all of us.
I want to thank these men and women for the time they give in practicing formations, learning the protocol of commands, and the awe inspiring way they present themselves and represent our Department during these times of remembrance. I want to thank these members of our Department for their willingness to be so visible during these solemn times. I want to thank this fine team for their presence, not only in this Unit of elite men and women, but in their individual jobs as well.
In a world where the worst is always at the surface, they give us hope in mankind and in what is good, and what is honorable.
This is the Honor Guard…this is HONOR.
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