A law passed by Congress in 1999 ensured all veterans would receive full military honors at burial.

However, funding for the law only provided the core elements of the funeral ceremony — a flag folding and presentation and the playing of Taps.  

A group of local military men believe all veterans who faithfully served their countries deserve more than the core elements.

For the last decade, the Veterans Alliance Color Guard, made up of about two dozen veterans from the area, have performed more than 1,000 military funerals.

“These are just veterans supporting veterans,” said John Gage of Dawsonville. “We think it’s an honor to go to the cemeteries along with the families.”

The ceremonies include a flag folding and presentation, 21-gun salute and the playing of Taps.

The all-volunteer group provides their own uniforms and works entirely on donations.

The Veterans Alliance, which will be in Dawsonville on Nov. 11 for the annual Veterans Day parade and ceremony, is always looking for volunteers who can dedicate themselves to support the mission. 

The group meets at 6 p.m. the first Thursday of each month for dinner at Ryan’s in Dawsonville, followed by a 7 p.m. meeting.

Veterans Alliance members must be a veteran of the Armed Forces of the United States with an honorable discharge.

For more information, call (678) 773-8346.