Quote Originally Posted by LT Alan Briley, RN View Post
As a pallbearer and a participant in a funeral ceremony for an honored friend of mine, I wore both the dirk and a saber during a funeral in a Catholic church in the United States, specifically, Danville, Virginia. During "Present, Arms," I and another former soldier drew our sabers and honors and flourishes were performed, then we sheathed our sabers and swords, and continued with the ceremony. Our laws and traditions are VERY different from those of the U.K. and I ask that you not violate the laws of your locality. That being said, the family of our deceased friend was appreciative of the honors rendered. Airborne, All the Way!
Interesting that you should post this today. Tomorrow, I will visit a church in Phoenix, AZ to plan an Color Guard. The minister has asked for swords, which I am against as I served with the British Army and the only Regiment I know of posted guards outside the church were Cameronians.
I am not keen on having swords. Is it common to have weapons in Church here?