Military Honors at a Veteran's Burial From American Legion Post 217
The Honor Guard of American Legion Ray A. Master Post 217 in Topton performs military honors, called the "Final Salute," at the graveside of a veteran who has died.
The Final Salute is a send-off for a deceased veteran who served the country. It consists of the firing of three volleys of rifles, the playing of "TAPS," and the folding of the USA flag and presentation to the next of kin.
The veteran or the veteran's family has the responsibility to notify the funeral director and request this service for the veteran. The funeral director then notifies the appropriate branch of the military and/or the Post 217 Honor Guard to render the Final Salute.
For military honors presentations, call Honor Guard Coordinator Charles Ackerman at 610-914-0302. That contact has been in place since January 1, 2020.
The Honor Guard is called on often. In 2025 it presented 76 military honor burials, and 44 military honors had been conducted so far in 2026 as of August 11, 2026.
The post itself is at 133 Centre Avenue, Topton, PA 19562, and its general number is 610-682-7682 for questions about the post. The honors themselves are rendered at the graveside. The page does not say what this service costs, whether any paperwork is needed, or which areas the Honor Guard travels to, so raise those questions with the funeral director or the coordinator.
Source: toptonlegion217.org/honor-guard, read September 18, 2026.
The details
In American Legion Ray A. Master Post 217’s words
The "Final Salute" rendered by the Honor Guard is a reverent and solemn service to bid farewell to our departed comrade. It is our honor and duty to provide a "Final Salute" military send-off for a deserving veteran that offered his/her life for our country. The "Final Salute" consists of: The firing of three volleys of rifles, The playing of "TAPS", The folding of the USA flag and presentation to the next of kin.
Organization
American Legion Ray A. Master Post 217
About this listing
This listing summarizes publicly available information from toptonlegion217.org/honor-guard. Last recorded review: September 18, 2026. Contact the provider to confirm eligibility, hours and availability before you go. If something here is wrong, tell us.