15-05-2025
Macon County Honor Guard marks 30th anniversary, 4000 funerals
DECATUR, Ill. (WCIA) — The Honor Guard of American Legion Post 105 is marking a significant milestone in its history, a testament to their hard work and dedication.
'The Honor Guard was started back in 1995,' said Commander Tom Black.
The Macon County Honor Huard has been up and running ever since. There have been many great memories in that time, but one this past year highlighted the longtime dedication of Post 105.
They participated in their 4,00th funeral.
'I love what these guys do' — Operation Honor Guard raises $130k
'That number was on our radar,' said Scott Scheibly, the Junior Vice Commander. 'We wasn't sure if we was actually going to get it in 2024, [or] if it was going to lead into 2025.'
In December, it finally happened. They ran a funeral for Michael Chaney — a Marine Corps veteran who served in Vietnam.
'After [it] was done, Scott and I was in the tent and I told the people, 'I would like to mention something else here that I think will make you feel good,'' Black said. 'They was really impressed with that, knowing that that's something else that they could help remember their loved one by.'
The moment — three decades in the making — wasn't lost on the men performing the funeral either.
'That number represents 30 years of service that the Honor Guard has done for our county,' Scheibly said. '30 years of providing funeral rites for our fallen veterans to that distinctive number of 4000.'
Live updates: Operation Honor Guard 2025
Scheibly is one of the younger members. He said one of his favorite parts of serving is coming together with veterans of all different ages to honor fellow service members. And they aren't ready to stop now.
'Of course, we've gone past that,' Scheibly said. 'And someday, the Honor Guard will hit 5000 and above.'
Black said as they're looking to keep going, the post needs more volunteers. People can find more information about how to get in contact with them here.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
