67
FUNERAL CEREMONY
With the deceased brother or his family having requested that his remains be committed
with the formalities of the Fraternity, the members of the ceremony team gather together
at a convenient location. The team shall observe uniformity in attire, dark suits being
most appropriate, and each member wearing his Badge. Each member with a speaking
part shall have his Ritual Book, the Flag Bearer having the Fraternity flag, and the
Master shall have a sprig of evergreen. The team departs to the designated place of the
funeral. Upon arrival, the team should stay together, and if possible, be seated or stand
together. At the designated time and place, the team enters single file behind the casket
so that when looked upon by the audience, from left to right, the team is in the following
order: Master, Honor Guard #1, Honor Guard #2, Chief Marshal, Flag Bearer, and
Chaplain..
With the ceremony team standing single file behind the casket, the ceremony begins.
Chief Marshal: Brother Master, it is with high regard and deepest
sympathy that we gather today to respond to death’s call. Our
beloved Brother (first name, middle name, last name, chapter and
year) has passed to Chapter Eternal. By request, he is to be
committed with the formalities of the Fraternity.
Members of the ceremony team then take their respective places at the casket with Hoor
Guard #1 and Chaplain leading each of the other two officers around their respective
sides of the casket. After a two-second pause, the Honor Guards and the Flag Bearer will
turn to face each other. With a nod from the Flag Bearer, the Honor Guards will move a
step forward to the center of the casket, with Honor Guard #2 moving to the foot of the
casket to receive the flag from the Flag Bearer. With another nod from the Flag Bearer,
Honor Guard #2 takes one step back to the center of the casket. With the Honor Guards
facing each other, and after waiting a four-second count, they fully unfold the flag over
the casket, not letting it yet touch the casket. After the flag is fully unfolded, it is held over
the casket for another four-second count, with the monogram of the flag slightly above
center of the casket. After the silent count, each end of the flag will be simultaneously
lowered down to the sides of the casket. Once the flag is in place and the Honor Guards
stand facing each other, the Flag Bearer will give a final nod, and the Honor Guards will
return to their respective places on the corners at the head of the casket.
The Master continues with the ceremony.