Nearly 4 thousand memorial services served by Macon County Honor Guard

DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) — "I can't describe it in words ... but it's emotional," says Bill Boles, as he recalls his time serving with the Macon County Honor Guard.

The eighteen volunteers are coming up on a major milestone: 4,000 funeral services. 

"In 1995, we got started, and now we're 11 away from having our 4000th funeral," said Commander Tom Black. 

Scott Scheibly added, "That's about 135 a year."

The Macon County Honor Guard relies solely on donations, and travels around the community to provide military honors at funeral services for U.S. military veterans. This presentation is usually around fifteen minutes, and includes a firing squad, retiring of the colors, and a playing of Taps.

"Many I've never served with, and I never even knew in our community," Scheibly said. "But, we have a common connection; we all took that time out of our life .. our family ... and gave it to the country."

The honor guard continues to provide these respectful and honorable services to veterans in the community. Four thousand in 29 years, stands as a testament to the large number of veterans in Macon County. 

"With the World War Two veterans, most of them are gone now. And we're starting to get a lot more Vietnam veterans ... and then down the line we'll be adding Iraqi, Afghanistan veterans..." Boles explained.

Today, the Macon County Honor Guard hopes their services continue to bring joy to veteran families as well as recruit more members to be a part of their legacy. 

Black shared, "We don't get paid for this. but when the families come up with tears in their eyes saying 'he would have been so proud of what you did' ... that's our pay."