Always Ready to Honor a Fellow Veteran

Veterans of service in the US Military share a number of characteristics, one of which is a widespread commitment to honor a fellow-veteran’s memory.

John Willard Tebo, Jr., a career Coast Guardsman, passed away on October 12, 2021 in Texas, having attained the enlisted rank of Petty Officer 1st Class. He was born and raised in Milford, MA and joined the Coast Guard after graduating Milford High School. He was married and his wife predeceased him. He had two daughters and two grand-children.

Tebo’s sister, a Franklin resident, had asked if the Edward L. Grant American Legion Post could do funeral military honors at her brother's gravesite in Milford. At the time of his passing his family was never offered any information about this option, usually provided by local vets on request.

So, on Saturday, October 4, 2025, a group of veterans, including a rifle squad and color guard, displaying the American and Coast Guard flag, went to Tebo’s final resting place and did their best to make things right.

Participants included John Hefele, Coordinator, flag folding; Bob Markunis, Chaplain, Service Coordinator; Steve Szilniczky Flag folding, presenter (and a Coast Guard veteran himself); John Milot, rifle squad commander; Dave Labonte, rifle squad; Ron Seyffert, rifle squad; Dick Hynes, color guard; Frank Coughlin, color guard; Matt McGrath, color guard; and, Joe Landry, backup bugler.

The weather, sunny and dry, cooperated.

John W. Tebo