European Stars and Stripes (Newspaper) - April 20, 1994, Darmstadt, Hesse                              Final Salute funeral detail puts deceased to rest with honors in unison the pallbearers lift the Flag from the coffin to fold it. Below left sgt. Bryan Hunter renders a Salute to staff sgt. Joseph Bearden before accepting the Flag. Six pallbearers carry a Stretcher draped with a Flag As it rehearses for a funeral. At right with Heads bowed they slowly lower the  20 the stars and stripes although the military and those who serve Init have changed Over the years Many of it traditions and ceremonies have  of these customs is the military funeral. When a service member or Veteran Dies a unit is called upon to form burial detail. The detail must include a least six pallbearers and a group of riflemen who fire a Volley in Honor of the fallen Comrade. Hours of rehearsal go into preparing for the funeral. Precision marching accurate and Sharp movements and the ability to react in unison upon command Are All elements that must be perfected by soldiers assigned to the detail. A group of soldiers from Hico 3rd corps support come at Wiesbaden a Germany was preparing recently to perform such a task for a retired non commissioned officer who had worked in the Community. While using a Flag draped Stretcher to simulate the casket the acting pallbearers spec. Bryant Butler pfc. Carlos Torres staff sgt. Kenneth Davis spec. Ladon Merritt sgt. Bryan Hunter and staff sgt Joseph Bearden repeated the routine Many times to perfect the movements. One Soldier Saia they would rehearse As Many times As it took to get it right. Seven soldiers also strive for perfection in their part of the ceremony firing three final volleys. They went through their routine carefully one step at a time eventually picking up the Pace As they developed a group rhythm. Then and Only then were they ready to carry on a military tradition. Wayne v. Hall staff writers a photos by Wayne v. Hall staff sgt. Michael s. Smith leads a group of Rifleman in a practice funeral Volley. Wednesday april 20,1994 the stars and stripes 21