Benjamin Saunders, managing funeral director at Lamb­Basham Memorial Chapel (Oakland City), has written Echoes of Valor: The Timeless Tradition of Military Funerals in America. Published in August, the new book explores the rich traditions present in military funerals, including their historical and cultural significance.

Following the journey of American heroes, lesser known individuals and some who are basically unknown, the nonfiction book tells the story of our nation’s heritage. It delves into the impact and significance of military funerals, including the rituals and traditions that have shaped and honored the lives of America’s military heroes. Throughout, Saunders weaves the tale of Army veteran James Bryant and his funeral with military honors.

According to Saunders, when he conducts a military funeral, he introduces the honor guard and talks about the history of “Taps,” the pall that draped George Washington’s casket at his funeral, or something related. If people ask questions to which he does not have an answer, he seeks them out. It was this process that led Saunders into researching the origins of military honors and the full meaning behind them for his book – from the flag-draped casket to the firing of three volleys to the folding of the flag and the soulful sounding of “Taps.”

Echoes of Valor provides countless details about military honors and history that can be shared during community presentations or at military funerals. The book is available from Amazon in hardcover, paperback or e-book form. lambbasham.com