MICHAEL D. DIFRANCESCO

Mike was a great and giving man and it was our extreme honor to conduct a military funeral ceremony for him and his family.

2 photographers took over 500 photographs which are displayed in 2 separate galleries below. There is also a slideshow video as well as a copy of the ceremonies complete uncut video which was live streamed and viewed by many people as it happened.

Last Salute Fires a Mountain Howitzer 12 Pounder Civil War Cannon At Every Ceremony.
We have been Honored to have our cannon fired by Medal of Honor recipients,
Senators, Congressmen, The Attorney General of The United States, Mayors,
Police Chiefs, Fire Chiefs and uniformed family members of the Heroes we honor

In July of 2021 Dr. Ira Trocki made a donation to Last Salute
so that the Honor Guard could get a second cannon to expand its service
to other areas. The cannon was completed and delivered 8 November 2021
The museum quality cannon built by the contractor for the National Park Service


was about to be named and christened. Upon hearing of Mike’s passing
Dr. Trocki called Last Salute and asked us if we could name the new cannon
after Mike…. We could not think of a better way to honor Mike’s legacy.
The new cannon will be christened the “Mike D” and will be fired by Medal of
Honor recipients each year at The MCLEF event as well as many future ceremonies.

Jake “Red Stripe” Frederick

On October 9, 2021, Last Salute conducted a memorial service for United States Marine Corps Fighter Pilot, Captain Jake “Red Stripe” Frederick at Galloway’s Veterans Park on Route 9. Jake died on December 8, 2016, right before Christmas, when his F-18 Hornet went down during a mission. Jake left behind 2 small children and a wife that continue to mourn his loss and honor his life.

Last Salute Military Funeral Honor Guard

The family, originally from Texas, has recently moved to Galloway and we are honored to have them join our community. We also want to help them honor and remember their father and husband Jake.

To do this, we have planted a Pecan tree at the park which was dedicated on October 9, 2021 at 9:00 AM. The Pecan tree is the official state tree of Texas. Jake’s children helped plant the tree and will continue to maintain it.

On October 9, 2021 at 0900, Last Salute performed a complete memorial funeral service including cannon volleys, memorial bell, rifle volleys, Taps and the presentation of 2 flags. One to each of the children.

Additionally, the township of Galloway and Congressman Jeff Van Drew have each issued a proclamation declaring their father, Jake, a National Hero which were presented as part of the ceremony.

We would like to thank all of those who attended to support the family and honor the memory and service of Jake.

Below are photos from the tree planting and memorial service. There are multiple galleries.

Galloway Twp Annual Salute to Veterans

Last Salute Military Funeral Honor Guard

Last Salute is proud to join Galloway Twp each year as it honors veterans. For many years the township has honored its veterans each September with a ceremony, free BBQ lunch and free t-shirts to commemorate the event.

Last Salute has been a part of this event for over 15 years. Here are some photos from the event.