When a Webster County veteran is laid to rest, a small group of fellow veterans is often there to make sure that final goodbye includes the military honors they earned.
For James Rupe, it’s a responsibility that means a lot.
Rupe is the new commander of the Webster County Veterans Memorial Association, an honor guard that takes part in military funerals. The group provides the rifle volleys and the playing of taps, and sometimes helps with the folding of the American flag.
“We do perform the military honors,” Rupe said. “Mainly, what our part is, is the three volleys of the rifle and the taps playing.”
There is also a little more to the ceremony than many people may realize.
When the honor guard folds the flag, members read a poem explaining what the colors of the flag represent. The family receives a copy of the poem, along with three spent shell casings representing the three rifle volleys.
Rupe said there is sometimes confusion about the traditional 21-gun salute. That ceremony is reserved for certain honors and occasions. At a typical veteran’s funeral, the honor guard performs three rifle volleys.
For Rupe, serving on the honor guard is another chapter in a military career that lasted more than three decades.
His story started right here in Webster County.
Rupe was born at a small clinic that once stood near what is now Bumgarner’s parking lot. He first lived in Northview and later on a farm near Camp Arrowhead before his family moved to Strafford.
During his senior year of high school, Rupe signed up for the Air Force through delayed enlistment.
He spent six years on active duty, with assignments taking him far from southwest Missouri. His first assignment was in Greece, and his final Air Force assignment was in Alaska.
After leaving active duty, Rupe eventually joined the Army National Guard. He spent another 30 years in the Guard before retiring from military service.
Then came another opportunity to serve.
A fellow church member asked whether he would be interested in joining the local honor guard.
Rupe said yes.
He has now been involved with the group for about a decade and became its commander this year.
The Webster County Veterans Memorial Association is not directly affiliated with either the American Legion or Veterans of Foreign Wars, although some of its members belong to those organizations.
The requirement to join the honor guard is simple: Members must be honorably discharged veterans.
The organization provides the uniforms its members wear. It also tries to help with fuel costs because members sometimes travel considerable distances to provide military honors at funerals.
And like many longtime volunteer groups, the honor guard is looking for veterans willing to help carry the tradition forward.
Rupe said there has already been some interest, including from a member of the Marshfield Rotary Club after the honor guard recently spoke to the organization.
For Rupe, it is another way for veterans to serve — this time by standing beside the families of those who once wore the uniform themselves.
Veterans interested in joining the Webster County Veterans Memorial Association can contact Rupe at 417-343-5980. He recommends sending a text message with a name and phone number so he can return the call.
