Throughout the decade of the 1990’s, due in part, to the reduction of the country’s Active Duty Military Forces and coupled with the increasing number of World War II era veterans reaching the end of their lives, the Department of Defense was typically unable to provide Graveside Military honors to deceased veterans.  With the exception, generally, of retired veterans, members of the Armed forces were rarely available to make the traditional flag presentation on behalf of the country.  Funeral directors were left to make the presentation to the deceased’s next of kin with, typically, little or no ceremony.

This was a national problem, and in Lancaster County it was brought to the attention of the general public in the summer of 1998 when Joe and Kelle Lainhoff were unable to secure honors for Joe’s father, Thomas W. Lainhoff.  A U.S. Army veteran of World War II, past Commander of Lancaster’s VFW Post 1690, and a member of American Legion Post 34, Mr. Lainhoff and his family deserved better than to simply be handed a folded flag.  Despite their best efforts, however, this was all they could secure.  A small organization, The Ceremonial Guard of Lancaster County existed; its primary function was to present the national colors at parades and patriotic events.  Its membership had dwindled since its formation in 1989.  Founding members Bob Hershock and Robert Powers did their best to answer calls for funeral details, but the lack of members and scheduling conflicts prevented their well-intentioned efforts from satisfying the rapidly growing need.

Letters to the Editor alerting Lancaster County to this situation brought forth numerous other local residents who could re-count their similar experiences.  Lori Harvest, another area resident whose relative, a Battle of the Bulge veteran who had been similarly ignored, joined the chorus calling for a change.  An editorial appeared in the Lancaster New Era lamenting the circumstances and called on interested citizens, veterans and non-veterans alike, to participate in a meeting, called by Lancaster’s Mayor, Charles Smithgall, to “brainstorm” the situation and explore solutions.

From this meeting in August 1998, an ad-hoc committee, spearheaded by Kelle Lainhoff and Lori Harvest, was formed with the general direction of establishing a group of volunteers who could be called upon to provide formal graveside ceremonies when requested by the families of deceased, honorably discharged veterans.

Throughout the fall of 1998 the group organized under the name of Red Rose Veterans Honor Guard, established ground-rules, recruited and trained volunteer members in order to be ready to provide its first service by January 1, 1999.  Decisions were made as to appearance military uniform (including appropriate grooming standards) or “generic uniform” (blue blazer, gray slacks, white shirt, blue tie);  membership standards for both veteran and n-n-veteran volunteers, procedures and protocols to be followed and the variety of administrative details required  to be an effective representative of the country.  Mayor Smithgall provided meeting space for the fledgling group as well as access to one of the city’s fire halls for training.  Utilizing the knowledge, skills and experience of several Active Duty and Drilling Reserve military members, including Active Duty Army National Guard Sergeants Jeff Miller and John Appel, this training took the earnest group from a unit of no or rusty military honors experience to a cadre of sharp, dedicated representatives of the nation.  Honors were first rendered January 4, 1999.

Thomas Lainhoff’s widow Margaret was presented the nation’s flag in June 1999, following a graveside service of full military honors rendered by the Red Rose Veterans Honor Guard.

Since that first evolution, the Red Rose Veterans Honor Guard has continually refined its procedures and direction to ensure the finest service possible is afforded our veterans.  Despite a sharp learning curve, right from the start the unit was embraced by the funeral directors of Lancaster County.  Andy Scheid of Andrew T. Scheid Funeral Home was quoted in July 1999 in the Lancaster New Era as saying “I have received nothing but compliments”. Chip Snyder of the Charles F. Snyder Funeral home was quoted in November 2001 in the Lancaster Sunday News that the unit had become “very polished, and they are a mainstay in Lancaster now”.  If someone requests a military funeral, the first group we call is “Red Rose”.  The unit was recognized in 2003 with the Lancaster New Era Red Rose Award for its significant and notable community service.

In all cases the Guard offers a unit of volunteers to fold the Nation’s Colors.  This follows the playing of Taps, which is always sounded by another volunteer.  Recordings are never utilized.  Although veterans and non-veteran members often participate wearing the authorized generic uniform; a member in military uniform always presents the Colors to the next of kin.  Further, whenever possible, the presenter is a representative of the deceased’s own service.  When requested, the group will provide an Honor Guard at the veteran’s casket or urn during viewings.

The organization has evolved, grown and matured.  In 1999 its logo was designed and approved; the motto “Honos Officio Fideli (Honor for Faithful Service) was adopted in 2000.  It has always operated under Parliamentary Procedures during meetings and recorded detailed minutes of key decisions for continuity, posterity and history.  Formal Bylaws were established in 2004.  The Red Rose Veterans Honor Guard was incorporated in 2004 under the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.  In 2007 The Pennsylvania Army National Guard, at Fort Indiantown Gap, has served occasionally with the Red Rose Veterans Honor Guard in performing military honors. 

The Red Rose Veterans Honor Guard Inc. is a non-profit volunteer organization and provides its services free of charge.  Donations are not solicited in any way or at any time, but are gratefully accepted and utilized to maintain members’ uniforms and to pay the administrative expenses.

Since 2007, the RRVHG has been augmenting the Pennsylvania Army National Guard Military Funeral Honors Detachment from Indiantown Gap, PA.  In 2009 the RRVHG and each of its members were formally trained and recognized as Authorized Providers in the Military Funeral Honors program and received a Department Of Defense certificate signed by the Honorable Robert M. Gates, Secretary of Defense.

In December 2009, the RRVHG was invited  by the Pennsylvania Funeral Directors Association (PFDA)  to participate in the "Wreaths Across America Program" at the State Capitol Rotunda in Harrisburg, PA, to lay a wreath on the Rotunda steps along with the President of the PFDA to honor those who served and sacrificed for our freedom.  This program is an offshoot of the Arlington National Cemetery wreath project embraced by 49 other states and the District of Columbia.

The organization, with members who are Active Duty Service Members, Active Duty Reservists, Pennsylvania Army National Guard, Retired Military, honorably discharged veterans and non-veterans alike, has slowly grown through word of mouth and various recruiting efforts into a cadre of dedicated member’s who’s polish and professionalism have earned it an exceptional reputation among the Lancaster County Funeral Directors.