Bismarck Tribune - Bismarck News

Wally Bolte

Jan 01, 2009 - 04:06:05 CST

In the past 25 years, Wally Bolte has participated in more than 1,700 funerals, sometimes as many as four in one day.

Bolte, commander of the VFW Honor Guard, Post 1326, organizes the dozen or so men who are members of the honor guard to provide military funeral honors to veterans. Over and over, Bolte has led the men, nine each time, as they reverently perform 21 gun salutes, play Taps and fold and present flags to grieving families.

Each time a veteran's family requests military honors, funeral homes call Bolte, and he coordinates the honor guard's presence. He also coordinates flag presentations at schools and nursing homes and participates in presenting colors at other ceremonies, such as the dedication of the new Memorial Bridge.

For no pay, Bolte has selflessly spent hours working to honor others and deserves recognition for the work he has done, Jerry Huffman, a member of the honor guard, said in nominating Bolte.

"He has unselfishly been the commander, the captain, of the VFWHonor Guard that performs at veterans funerals,"Huffman said.

- Jenny Michael

News > Local

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Comments

This is the PERSON wrote on Jan 1, 2009 11:18 AM:

" After reading the other stories of human kindness, this is the one that needs to be selected. If it was not for our soldiers this country would not have freedom. This truly is an obligation carried out to his fellow men, with pride and selflessness. I buried my brother and father who were both men of the military and it was sooo important to have the veterans present at the funeral. It made me notice the camaraderie of these people who gave their life for their country and I was soo content that the veterans were there for me. My son is now serving in the military and I look forward to him participating in a funeral for a fellow miltiary brother. I AM VERY THANKFUL. THANK YOU Mr. Bolte!! You truly deserve recognition. "

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