Memorial Samples

MEMORIAL SCRIPT 

H-15 min: PRELUDE (sooner if guests arrive early)

            Play video / photo tribute 

H-5 min: CG or representative escorted into auditorium

CHAPLAIN:  “Ladies and gentlemen, the ceremony will begin in 5 minutes. Please find your seats and silence all electronic devices.”

As soon as the CG sits (and the family), proceed to the 2 minute warning 

H-2 min: CHAPLAIN: “Ladies and Gentlemen, please take your seats. The ceremony will begin momentarily.  To maintain the dignity of this event, please turn off or silence all cell phones.” (Video tribute will stop.)

  • WELCOME REMARKS

CHAPLAIN: “Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the Memorial Honors for [Rank and Full Name of Soldier]

Our purpose today is to honor him/her, 
His/Her life and service, 
And to pay final tribute. 
Please rise for the Invocation.”

  • INVOCATION (Not to Exceed 1 min)

CHAPLAIN:

Holy Father,

We come before you sorrowing for the loss of [Rank and Full Name of Soldier].  I ask you for peace that passes all understanding, for strength and the strength of all those standing here together to help us pass through this time of sorrow.  Help us, not that we may move on, but that we may move forward to live each day to its fullest.  Renew our hope, strengthen our resolve, and comfort us in our time of need.  

In Your mighty name, Amen.   

“Please be seated.”

  • SPEAKERS

NOTE: Speakers wait for previous speakers to fully return to their seats. Then stand and approach then pulpit.

  • BATTALION COMMANDER’S (or designates) REMARKS (NTE 5 min)
  • COMPANY COMMANDER’S REMARKS (NTE 5 min)
  • SERVICE MEMBER’S TRIBUTE (NTE 5 min)

  • SCRIPTURE READING:

“Let us hear the word of the Lord from Psalm 23:

Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 
He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. 
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

  • CHAPLAIN’S REMARKS (NTE 5 min)
  • BENEDICTION (Chaplain)

CHAPLAIN: “Please rise for a moment of silence, the benediction, and remain standing for the last roll call and rendering of honors.”

            (Pause 10-15 seconds)

The Lord bless you and keep you, the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you, the Lord lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace.
Amen.

(After benediction, 1SG moves to center of memorial display, faces audience)

  • LAST ROLL CALL (1SG)
  • FIRING OF VOLLEYS
  • TAPS (at conclusion of Taps, 1SG exits right and returns to seat)
  • CONCLUSION 

(Ushers move to front of aisles and prepare to release command teams)

CHAPLAIN: “Ladies and gentlemen, please be seated. This concludes the formal portion of our ceremony. After the honor platoon has departed, if you wish to pay final honors at the memorial stand, you will be guided by the ushers. You may also leave quietly through the main entrance at the back of the chapel. Thank you for your attendance.”

  • Honor Guard Departure
    • BC / CSM
    • CDR / 1SG
    • CH and 2 Soldiers 
    • Family
    • CG/CSM
  • MUSIC plays during final honors

Special Notes:

1. Official party exits platform and renders honors, followed by SM’s Family Members (if present) then the NTC CG and CSM and their guest (or reps) and then by distinguished visitors.

2. Total time from official party’s entrance to official party’s exit NTE 30 min.

3. Ensure all photos are free of anything that would dishonor the service member, unit or the Army (check photo backgrounds).

4. Ensure any music is free of objectionable lyrics (instrumental music is recommended) 

5. Ensure pictures used in slideshow honor the Service Member and unit.