R.I. Guard chief: Gun salutes will continue

[unhappycamper]

R.I. Guard chief: Gun salutes will continue
The Associated Press
Posted : Tuesday Jun 10, 2008 8:12:58 EDT

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — The adjutant general of the Rhode Island National Guard says gun salutes at military funerals will not be silenced by federal budget cuts.

The National Guard last month told funeral directors that it can only supply firing squads for certain veterans, including those killed in action, Medal of Honor recipients, general officers or those who served at least 20 years.

A National Guard spokesman blamed a cut in federal money for the military honors program — from $1.16 million to $775,000.

The decision infuriated veterans. But Maj. Gen. Robert Bray said Monday the Guard will rely on full-time staff and volunteers so it can continue to offer a bugler and gun salutes when requested by families of the deceased.


Article at: http://www.armytimes.com/news/2008/06/ap_risalutes_060908/