MOUNT VERNON — Terry Walter, 73, was introduced seven years ago to what he considers is one of the best-kept secrets in the community – Knox County Veterans Council Military Honor Guard.
It was when Walter worked with the Escape Zone Youth Center he met fellow honor guardsman Gary Fesler. At Fesler's invitation, Walter attended an upcoming veteran’s funeral. Walter's background, he served in the Army from 1969 to 1971, influenced him into joining the organization.
“While I have been involved in many community organizations, the Honor Guard stands out,” Walter said. “It has given me a sense of special responsibility to help honor those who have served, like I served many years ago in the Army.”
Honor guards handle the duties around laying to rest fellow military veterans. They provide a folded flag to a specific family member and three cartridges that represent the honor guard code “Duty, Honor and Country,” Walter said. A 21-gun salute with seven rifles and three cartridges fired by each rifle along with taps help complete the ceremony.
In order for the guard to continue its duties, the organization needs more veterans to step up, Walter said. The Knox County guard currently has 20 members, mostly in their 70s, and they average attending 100 ceremonies a year.
"We're trying to get younger people that can join our group so that we can make sure we have a full compliment at each ceremony," Walter said. “I think when I saw those faces of family members of the veteran who passed once the Honor Guard showed up and how I feel they gained a sense of pride at what their loved one had done, I felt such an enormous pride, not in myself but the entire group.
“This is a group of selfless people who only care about making sure the veteran who passed had a memorable service for the person and their families.”
For those interested in joining the Knox County honor guard, contact Walter at mtwalter6@yahoo.com or 614-679-3852/740-392-4168.
