Last Salute was pleased to help the city of Brigantine New Jersey raise money for Fisher House, a veteran’s charity. Last Salute brought out the hardware, our military vehicles and of course our cannon, the “Jaime Lee”. We fired the cannon to signal the start of the plunge. Thank you Brigantine for your support to our nations military and veterans!!!
Last Salute was honored to appear at Atlantic City’s 9-11 Memorial Ceremony on September 11th 2016. The elaborate ceremony included many Police officers and Fire fighters. The National Anthem was sung by Miss America and Atlantic City’s Mayor was Master of Ceremony.
Last Salute fired the “Jaime Lee”, our Civil War cannon twice. Our rifle squad fired multiple times as well.
Sgt. at Arms Chuck Knutson and Lcpl Kyle Ragland folded and presented a flag to Mrs. JoAnne Saracini whose brother was a pilot on one of the planes that crashed into the World Trade Center, United Airlines 175. He was a former Navy Pilot that then flew for United Airlines.
SARACINI VICTOR J., age 51, Captain of United Airlines Flight 175, died on Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2001. Originally from Atlantic City N.J.,
We took a large number of photos and have posted about 130 here.
We were extremely honored to be recognized recently by the 4 Seasons Veterans Club. The 4 Seasons Veterans Club gathers about once a month and often invites a speaker. We were very pleased when they asked “Last Salute” military funeral guard to visit.
The 4 Seasons Veterans Club was particularly interested in the effort and services provided by Last Salute. It was our distinct pleasure to address the assembled veterans club.
We brought along our full size civil war cannon, the “Jaime Lee” to display along with other items which we use during ceremonies such as swords, rifles, bugle and flags. We thoroughly enjoyed speaking about the free services we provide and answered questions afterword.
We would like to sincerely thank the club for the opportunity to speak to them and for the beautiful statue which they presented us.
After months of research, parts ordering, blueprint study, historical documentary viewing, welding, sanding, painting, sawing, filing, assembling and testing, the “Jaime Lee” a Mountain Howitzer 12 pounder Civil War cannon is complete.
The christening date of July 4, 2016 was met but it came down to the wire with final completion tasks finished on July 3rd. The cannon was officially christened at 7am at the Absecon VFW on July 4th.
Our friends at Backward Flag Brewing in Lacey Township NJ made a special bottle of beer just for the christening. Backward Flag is owned by combat veterans and does a lot to support veterans.
Immediately following the christening, the cannon was transported to Smithville to take the lead in the Galloway 4th of July Parade along with the “Last Salute” Honor Guard.
After the parade, the cannon was fired by Galloway Township’s Police Chief, Donna Higbee.
Building the new cannon artillery carriage was an amazing experience. Knowing what the cannon was to be used for made the entire process more meaningful. It required a great deal more work and research than originally anticipated but it was absolutely worth all the effort. Please check out some photos from the build below.
Absegami High School Students under the direction of Donald Matousch, Teacher of Woods Technology, created thirty six amazingly constructed canes for disabled Veterans this year. The members of Last Salute Military Funeral Honor Guard from VFW Post 9462 Absecon, went to the High School on Thursday, May 26th to not only accept the canes but to speak to the students about Veterans and how their hard work on the canes will provide many Veterans the ability to stand on their own. Last Salute Members included: Sergeant at Arms Chuck Knutson and Lance Corporal Taylor Speirs, United States Marine Corps.
Last Salute was pleased to attend and assist the Hammonton DAV Post at its recent post renaming ceremony. Last Salute members manned the food service line to help feed the attendees.