Honor-A-Deceased Veteran Ceremony

Overview

The Honor-A-Deceased Veteran Ceremony is a monthly ceremony that reflects upon the life of a deceased county veteran. It is an hour-long ceremony held in the Chambers of the Rensselaer County Legislature. Local veterans and government officials gather with the honoree’s family to celebrate the veteran’s life. Recognition is made not only to their military career and accomplishments, but also to their civilian life as well.

A pamphlet is prepared in the name of the honored veteran. The County Executive presents the family with a proclamation. The Chairmen of the Legislature reads a complete biography of the honoree to all in attendance. Both Congressional districts within the county are represented and present the family with a flag that has been flown over the United States Capital in the veteran’s honor. Local County Legislators present proclamations in honor of the veteran to the family; and the Honor-A-Deceased Veteran committee presents the family with a plaque in honor of the veteran and the veteran’s service to their country.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, everyone proceeds outside for the flag-raising in memory of the veteran. The flag will fly for the next 30 days and will then be returned to the family.

Apply

If you are interested in having a veteran honored by the Honoring-a-Veteran Committee, please fill out the Honor-a-Deceased Veteran Application (PDF) and return it to:
Rensselaer County Veterans Service Agency
99 Troy Road,
East Greenbush, NY 12061

or use the

Honor a Deceased Veteran Application OnLine Form