Officials say they funding will be guaranteed to provide honor guard at funerals for veterans
Representatives Mike Michaud and Chellie Pingree said that Army officials contacted them today to assure them that funding for honor guards at the funerals of veterans inMaine and around the country will continue throughout the fiscal year that began October 1st.
“Honoring the lives and service of our veterans is one of the most sacred ways we can repay those who have sacrificed so much for our country,” Michaud and Pingree said in a joint statement. “Respecting and preserving the Funeral Honors program isn’t a partisan issue, it’s something we all support. We are pleased to hear services will continue uninterrupted for the new fiscal year and will do whatever it takes to ensure that veterans and their families will continue to receive this sacred honor in the long-term, beyond this year.”
The Military Funeral Honors program sends honor guards to over 1,000 veterans’ funerals in Maine each year. Budget cuts proposed by House Republicans threatened funding for the program, but Army officials told Michaud and Pingree they will look for ways to increase efficiency in the program. Michaud and Pingree will remain in close touch with Army officials to continue advocating for the importance of fully funding the program, and to monitor any future proposed changes to the program.
