Many of Butler’s surrounding communities include veterans who volunteer in parades and at military funerals. Some of those groups are listed below.

• Chicora — The Funeral Detail in Chicora includes about 20 volunteers who attend approximately 15 funerals a year, according to member Fred Callihan. Active for about 40 years, the group is based at American Legion Post 642.

• West Sunbury — The Moniteau Ceremonial Squad was formed in 1982 with 22 veterans. With the passing of all of its World War II members, the group has dwindled to 10 members who attend patriotic events and three to four funerals a year. Group member Gary Fitzingo said he is optimistic membership might grow, as local Iraq veterans have begun to join. The group is based at American Legion Post 243.

• Saxonburg — Although this group is called the Saxonburg Legion Honor Guard, like many honor guards its 15 members come from the local VFW as well as American Legion. According to commander Ron Harbison, the group was formed in the mid-1930s. It attends between 15 and 20 funerals annually.

• Bradys Bend — American Legion Post 488 Honor Guard was formed in the early 1980s. The group includes 12 members that attend about 12 funerals a year. David Curran, a member since 1992, said the group at one time comprised 35 members. It is based at the Bishop Madden American Legion Post 488.

• Parker — Although membership in the Parker VFW and American Legion Honor Guard ranges between 11 and 20 members, the dedicated group is active in parades and funerals, which sometimes total 30 per year. According to longtime member Jack Buzard, World War II veteran John “Jack” Anthony has missed only two funerals since the group was formed in 1946, when membership was close to 50. The group is based at the Roy Calvin McGinnis VFW Post 7073 and the Charles A. Black American Legion Post 598, which share a building.