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“Increased demand, fewer volunteers endanger veteran honor guards’ ability to provide funeral support.” That is an opening line from an article in the May 2026 issue of The American Legion Magazine by Ken Olsen. 

Wisconsin has a Military Honors Program (WIMHP) under Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations Chapter 45.60.  The Muskego American Legion Post 356 attended the training program it offers, in 2023, so the Post is able to assist in  Military Funeral Honors for veterans.  In 2023, Post 356 assisted 15 funerals, 30 in 2024, 26 in 2025 and so far in 2026, 15.

“American Legion volunteers help provide military funeral honors all over the country nearly every day, in everything from sweltering Mississippi summer heat to punishing Wyoming winter winds. But the Vietnam-era veteran who make up the bulk of volunteers are beginning to step down, leaving questions about who will perform the graveside ceremonies in the future.  Old guys are getting to where they can’t do it anymore, and young guys have jobs and families.” 

Muskego American Legion Post 356 has a current membership of 107, but is made up of 80 percent Vietnam and Korean War era veterans.  Currently, the Post has 12 of its members who are part of the Funeral Detail.  Of those 12, we can usually muster up 3-5 to participate.  So far, this year, we have not had to turn down a request to honor a deceased veteran.

“More than 500,000 veterans die each year in the United States, according to the VA.  By law, they are eligible for a two-person military honor guard that includes a representative of their service branch.” In Wisconsin, representatives from the State's National Guard Branch in which the veteran served, usually perform the Flag folding. A local member of the Wisconsin Military Honors Program performs the rifle salute and taps.

 There are a lot of younger veterans out there.  The challenge is to get them to join, even if it is just for the honor guard.  As you see, our Post does less than one a week. We sometimes get a week to respond, but sometimes only a couple of days.  The more members in our Funeral Detail, the less chance there is to have to turn down a funeral because we can’t muster up the three-member minimum for that day.

Despite the obstacles, it is important for our Post to be available to render military funeral honors. “There are not that many organizations that provide this service”.  We want to keep the patriotism and appreciation for veterans alive.  Every veteran deserves that.