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Special military funeral honors will be held at North Dam Park March 20 at 1 p.m. for Grant County veterans not previously given proper military rites, reports Sgt. Ryan D. Homer, Pasco team leader of the Central Washington Honor Guard.

“The rendering of Military Funeral Honors is one way our nation shows its deep gratitude to those who, in times of war and peace, have faithfully defended our country,” Homer said in his announcement. “But it wasn’t until the year 2000 that Congress made this ceremonial paying of respects a statutory benefit for a veteran’s family. Prior to that time-even in recent years-honorably serving men and women have passed away without ever receiving a nation’s formal demonstration of gratitude for their service and sacrifice. … Veterans Memorial Tribute Program is dedicated to leaving none of them behind.”

He said the name of each veteran will be read aloud, accompanied by the ceremonial ringing of a bell, followed by full military honors with support from American Legion #28, American Legion #209, and American Legion # 157.

“If your loved one was an honorably serving veteran who never received military honors, you owe it to yourself, your family-and your loved one’s memory-to attend,” Homer said.

Names to be read include 16 from Electric City, Coulee City, Coulee Dam and Grand Coulee: Herbert Horton, Kenneth Stinde, Dennis Wiggins, Donald Gordon, Rolly Twiggs, William Messer, Norman Fleck, William Palmer Jr., Floyd Jess, Wayne Bolyeard, Myron Haynes, Dale Murray, Frank Halfmoon, Raymond Pimms, Glen Raymond and Ethel Gerber.