Important resources and information for Veterans

The Military Funeral Honors program is a profound tribute, reflecting our nation’s deep respect for our veterans’ service and sacrifice. Each element of the ceremony honors their dedication, providing a heartfelt and dignified farewell.

Memorial Planning cemeteries and funeral homes have worked with many families to ensure we lay service members to rest with honor and respect. If you’re curious about the process, here are a few frequently asked questions from veterans and their families.

What is included in a military funeral?

Presentation of the flag – Ceremonial folding and presentation of the flag of the United States is a requirement for every military funeral.

Playing of Taps – The iconic bugle call of Taps is an old tradition, dating back to the middle of the 1800s.

Uniformed pallbearers – Military pallbearers are tasked with the solemn duty of carrying the casket or urn of the departed service member with precision and dignity.

Honor guard detail – At least at least two members of the armed forces, and one member who is a representative of the veteran’s service branch.

FAQs

Who is eligible for Military Funeral Honors?

• Military members on active duty or in the Selected Reserve
• Former military members who served on active duty and departed under conditions other than dishonorable
• Former military members who completed at least one term of enlistment or period of initial obligated service in the Selected Reserve and departed under conditions other than dishonorable
• Former military members discharged from the Selected Reserve due to a disability incurred or aggravated in the line of duty

Veterans Affairs (the VA) and the Department of Defense call for funeral directors to request funeral honors, so if you would like to make arrangements for your loved one, contact your Funeral Director as soon as possible. The VA requires at minimum 48-72 hours before a scheduled service to make arrangements.

Who is not eligible for Military Funeral Honors?

• Any person separated from the Armed Forces under dishonorable conditions
• Any person whose character of discharge/service results in a bar to veteran’s benefits
• Any person who was ordered to report to an induction station, but was not inducted into military service
• Any person discharged from the Selected Reserve prior to completing one term of enlistment or period of initial obligated service for reasons other than a disability incurred or aggravated in the line of duty
• Any person convicted of a Federal or State capital crime sentenced to death or life imprisonment

How do I establish eligibility?
The preferred method is via the form DD-214, the Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty. If the DD-214 is not available, any discharge document can be used. Visit the Records section on VA.gov for more information.

Along with military service members, who else eligible to receive funeral honors?
As members of the uniformed services, anyone who is part of the Commissioned Officer Corps of the Public Health Service (PHS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Officer Corps is eligible to receive funeral honors.

Speak with your Funeral Director for information about proper forms required for PHS and NOAA military honors.

Burial flag information

The flag is given to the next-of-kin after it is used during the funeral service. If next-of-kin is unavailable, the VA will furnish the flag to a friend who requests it. For VA national cemeteries with an Avenue of Flags, families may donate their loved one’s burial flag to be raised on patriotic holidays.

Generally, your Funeral Director can help you receive a flag, but you may apply yourself by completing the U.S. Flag for Burial Purposes application (VA form 27-2008). You may submit your application to any VA regional office or U.S. post office.

Can a burial flag be replaced?
The law allows funeral or cemetery staff to issue one flag for a veteran’s funeral. Cemeteries cannot replace the flag if it is lost, destroyed, or stolen. However, some veterans’ organizations or other community groups may be able to help you procure a new flag.

How should the burial flag be displayed?
The proper way to display the flag depends upon whether the casket is open or closed. VA Form 27-2008 provides the correct method for displaying and folding the flag.

The burial flag is not suitable for outside display because the fabric can be easily damaged and stained by environmental factors.

Journey to serve

Journey to Serve is a unique marketing campaign launched in 2021 by the Funeral Service Foundationand the ICCFA Educational Foundation. This collaborative effort between organizations aims to engage, recruit and hire more military veterans to careers in the funeral service profession.

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