A little over a week before Memorial Day, an honor guard assembles at Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Fairmont.

As the guard’s members exchange handshakes and hugs, a strong wind whipped their flags. Then a phone call gives them the heads up that the funeral procession was on its way.  

As the honor guard waited for the mourners to arrive, they discuss where to line up and other details concerning this final salute to a fellow vet.

The guard is comprised of members of the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars. They all wear blazers, white gloves and a garrison cap — a foldable hat pointed at each end.

Veryl Champine, an honor guard member who served in the U.S. Navy from 1962-66, said the group has turned out at veterans funerals for a long time.  

Read the full story at Minnesota.PublicRadio.org.