[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 175 (Tuesday, October 24, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1007]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        ALL VETERANS HONOR GUARD

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. KEN BUCK

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 24, 2023

  Mr. BUCK. Mr. Speaker Pro Tempore, I rise today to honor the All 
Veterans Honor Guard, who provide the final Military Honors at Fort 
Logan National Cemetery in Colorado. Only those who have served in the 
U.S. Armed Forces are permitted to provide such services but in 1993, 
the U.S. Military ceased to perform these final rites for deceased 
veterans.
  That's why approximately 100 Colorado veterans formed the All 
Veterans Honor Guard in 1994 to carry on this sacred duty for their 
late comrades in arms. Aside from a small stipend from the state of 
Colorado, the organization receives no additional funding or 
compensation to maintain and repair the World War II-era weapons or to 
purchase uniforms for their volunteers.
  During their first year, the All Veterans Honor Guard provided 
Military Honors for 63 veterans at Ft. Logan National Cemetery--and 
since 1994, they have stood as the Honor Guard for over 23,400 military 
funerals; with Chief Master Sergeant Retired Morris Smith serving as 
the backbone for over two decades. But as time has gone on, the number 
of requests for their services has grown as our aging veterans pass 
away. The number of volunteers, however, has diminished. In 2021, the 
All Veterans Honor Guard had less than 80 veteran volunteers, who 
provided the final honors for 1,554 veterans.
  Despite these challenges, the Honor Guard remains as dedicated to 
serving their late brothers and sisters in their afterlife as they were 
in serving alongside them in life. That is why, Mr. Speaker Pro 
Tempore, on behalf of the 4th Congressional District of Colorado, it is 
a distinct privilege to recognize and commemorate the tireless efforts 
of the All Veterans Honor Guard over the past 29 years. Our country is 
blessed to have such heroes who care enough to honor their comrades as 
they are laid to rest.

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