287.9(M1)
Figure 4-8.– Transfer of remains from the chapel to the gravesite at Arlington National Cemetery.
column remaining even with the front wheels of
the conveyance.
The family group follows the casket out of the
chapel and remains at the chapel entrance until
the honorary pallbearers have broken ranks to
take their position. The ushers then escort the
family to their own cars. After the chapel service,
the RP should restow all items of equipment used
and return the chapel to a normal setting.
Outside, the escort commander puts the band
and escort in march, and the procession marches
slowly to solemn music (figures 4-8 and 4-9). If
the gravesite is a considerable distance from the
chapel, the escort— after leaving the chapel
area— may march “at ease” and in quick time,
with no band music. Upon reaching the grave,
the escort is brought to attention.
As the procession nears the grave, the
marching elements move to their predesignated
positions. The band and military escorts are
formed in a line behind and facing the foot of the
grave, with other marching elements placed as
near as practicable. The firing squad is positioned
in such a way that it will not fire directly over the
heads of the mourners.
When the caisson or hearse comes to a halt,
the honorary pallbearers again form in two ranks
with an aisle extending from the conveyance to
the graveside. If the grave is too near the road to
permit this formation, the honorary pallbearers
should take their positions at the graveside before
the removal of the casket from the caisson or
hearse.
4-10
