Chaplain, Honor Guard make sure veterans are laid to rest with full military honors

Northside Baptist Church pastor Edward McAbee (2nd from left, back row) is a Korean War veteran and chaplain with the South Carolina State Guard. The 76-year-old said he has participated in 40 funerals with full military rites this year. For Northside Baptist Church Pastor Edward McAbee, Memorial Day is full of emotion. Not only is he a Korean War veteran, but he's also a chaplain with the South Carolina State Guard.

"I'm a captain with the S.C. Guard," McAbee said. "Which is the old state militia. I've been a member since July of 2004. I'm a chaplain and we do a lot of military funerals with an Honor Guard, for veterans. We've had four funerals in the last five days."

The frequency that McAbee and his unit are called up to do a funeral has steadily been increasing as more and more World War II veterans begin to pass away.

"Last year we did 103 funerals," he said. "So far this year we've done 40. The law says that anyone who has ever served in the military and is discharged honorably is due a military burial. We go to the graveside and perform full military rites."

The process is steeped in tradition, but a sacred duty.

"Full military rites include a few steps," he said. "We fold the flag, play 'Taps' and fire rifles in a salute. It is my duty to present that flag to the survivors."

It isn't just World War II veterans McAbee attends to, either.

"We've done all kinds of veterans," he said. "Korea, Vietnam and even a few from Iraq. But most of the time these days it is those from WW II, because they're all getting into their 70s and 80s now. They tell us that we are losing 1,750 veterans a day now in the United States."

Although McAbee's official duties only take him around the Upstate South Carolina area for his S.C. Guard assignments, having a full Honor Guard represented can sometimes be a challenge.

"We try to have about eight members of the Honor Guard present," he explained. "But sometimes, depending on the day of the week and the time of day, we don't get that many. Everyone in the unit is a volunteer and our oldest member is in his 80s. I myself am 76. Most of our members are either retired or former service men and women."

McAbee is always on the lookout for more people to help with the Honor Guard.

"We're on a recruiting drive right now," he said. "Our unit never has to leave the state. Well, on 9/11 we did have to send some help to New York City, but that was the first time in our history that someone had to go out of state. Anyone interested in joining can call me at 489-4835."

The work for the Honor Guard doesn't show signs of slowing down.

"I wish that there were more units that could do the full military rites like we do," McAbee said. "It's the least we can do for our veterans, who certainly deserve it."