The York County Veterans Honor Guard is a hard-working volunteer group which commits time and energy to military funerals and other ceremonies, contributing the dignity and caring that goes beyond the time of enlistment or commission date until ETS (Expiration Term of Service) date.

Dale Peters, York Honor Guard member (PHOTO: Mary Ellen Graybill)

Dale Peters and others in the York County Veterans Honor Guard spoke recently about the activities, purpose and rewards of serving in as many as 365 events a year.

The tireless service that the all-volunteer Honor Guard provides to veterans and their families is appreciated by Senators like Robert Casey and Philip Palandro, Director, York county Military Veterans Affairs official. And, families and friends of the soldier, sailor, airman, or marine that passes away are comforted at the graveside by the presence of the ceremonial team.

“War is hell. It doesn’t matter where it is, whether Vietnam or Japan, World War II,” exclaimed Dale Peters in the living room of his rancher in West York recently.

During Dale’s military stint in Korea with the Army he was in charge of regimental ammunition, having become a sergeant 1^st class in record-breaking time of 2 and half years. He spent 18 months in Korea.

Since 1988, the York County Veterans Honor Guard has provided military services to any honorably discharged veteran in the county, for no cost. And, Dale and other dedicated volunteers to the cause, including present commander John Vecero, have kept up the tradition of leadership. The oldest member serving is Junior Aughenbaugh, 90, who also is treasurer.

The York County Joint Veterans Council, and the York County Department of Veterans Affairs, began to form a group in 1984. They could provide graveside ceremonies of flag folds and “taps” when requested by families of military families eligible.

Bill Buchbinder, a retired U.S. Naval Chief Warrant Officer, moved to York County in 1985 and joined the group, and began to recruit new members. The membership increased to about 30. Then on August 29, 1988, the detail group separated from the York County Joints Veterans Council and became the York county Veterans Honor Guard.

The late Mr. Buchbinder was first Commander. Drills were not as necessary as the honor guard performed more and more funeral duty. Rifles were given by the Federal Government. The ceremonial rifle salute, performance of “taps” played by a bugler, and flag displays honored the deceased veteran.

Other events than funerals included in the past Veteran’s Day events, special events like Mother’s Day, dedications, Memorial Day, the York Fair- Expo Center event and even Christmas parties at the VA Medical Center at Lebanon.

All services included tent squad, color guard and firing squad when volunteers are available. Ceremonial Firing is the most precise, in that shots have to be fired simultaneously, said Dale. He has served as bugler, and acting commander.

Ceremonial Firing is required to consist of not more than eight riflemen and not less than five with one noncommissioned officer in charge. The firing party is to face the gravesite in the direction that allows it to fire directly over the grave. Very specific instructions are contained in the written documents.

“I hope our leaders have learned the lesson that in war, everybody loses,” said Dale Peters, in reflection about the history of war.

“More and more the general population doesn’t want war, but that doesn’t change our leaders,” he added.

With the Honor Guard volunteering in their 25^th year in York County, it is hoped that they will be out of a job in centuries to come. Meanwhile, their work is much appreciated by the families of the deceased military. Donations may be sent to the Honor Guard of York County, although they are not actively solicited.

See http://veteranshonorguardyorkpa.com/.