Connecticut House Bill HB05819

Connecticut 2017 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/18/17
• Refer: 1/18/17

Caption

An Act Concerning Veteran Funeral Honor Guard Details.

Impact

By establishing a minimum standard for honor guard details, HB 5819 impacts the general statutes governing veteran funerals in the state. This may assist in ensuring that all veterans receive the respect and recognition they deserve during their final rites. It could potentially lead to greater uniformity across ceremonies, ensuring that no veteran is honored with less than the prescribed military honors, which may foster a sense of pride and respect within the community for those who served.

Summary

House Bill 5819 addresses the protocol for veteran funeral honor guard details. The bill mandates that these details must consist of at least five members, which must include two designated as riflemen or riflewomen and one appointed as a bugler. This change emphasizes the importance of honoring veterans in a respectful and dignified manner during their funerals. The inclusion of a more structured requirement for the composition of honor guard details aims to enhance the solemnity of military funerals and reflects a commitment to recognizing the sacrifices made by veterans.

Contention

The bill may face debate regarding its implications for local volunteer groups who provide honor guard services. Some may argue that imposing a minimum requirement could strain resources and limit the ability of smaller groups to fulfill these duties, potentially leading to fewer veterans receiving honors if sufficient members are not available. Alternatively, supporters might claim that having a structured requirement will ensure consistency and prevent any shortcomings in the honor given to veterans, ultimately benefiting the overall perception of military funerals.