ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Dozens of times each year, at cemeteries around Monroe County, a group made up of mostly veterans gives those who served a proper farewell. Honor guards across the country are struggling to find enough new members to attend military funerals. 

Under solemn circumstances, it was a meeting of old friends.

“We do have some younger members who are 50,” joked Bud Moran, a sergeant with the Monroe County American Legion Honor Guard.

The oldest member of the honor guard is 89. The group recently celebrated its 40th anniversary. It's a group with an extremely important job.

“We don't care if it's a private or general,” said Commander Wayne Hartmann. “They all get the same.”

On a sunny fall day at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Rochester, honor guard members performed the same task that they do more than 200 times a year. A final salute, paying tribute to a fallen veteran.

“A lot of veterans, they never got a thank you, or final salute, or anything when they came out of the service,“ said Don Wilbert. “It’s pretty emotional, actually. And we always strive to do everything perfect.” 

With their ranks aging, finding enough honor guard members for each funeral can be a challenge. 

“It's a struggle, especially in the wintertime for the senior guys to get bundled up and stand in the elements,” said Moran.

The honor guard is always looking for new members. One doesn’t necessarily have to be a veteran, but there are certain requirements to become an honor guard member. Non-veterans can join if they show proof that a parent or grandparent served.

Monroe County American Legion Honor Guard members say many families do not realize their loved ones who served are eligible for a funeral with honors. A group committed to honoring fellow veterans, with dignity, for their service.

“We’ve never had a funeral we didn’t do,” said Hartmann. “It’s just a decent thing to do. And we are honored to do it.”