MILITARY HONORS
A Grateful Nation
The rendering of Military Funeral Honors is a way to show the nation's deep gratitude to those who, in times of war and peace, have faithfully defended our country. This ceremonial paying of respect is the final demonstration a grateful nation can provide to the veteran's family.
Who is eligible for Military Funeral Honors?
- Military members who died while on active duty or in the Selected Reserve
- Former military members who served on active duty or in the Selected Reserve and were discharged under other than dishonorable conditions
- Former military members who completed at least one term of enlistment or period of initial obligated service in the Selected Reserve and were discharged under other than dishonorable conditions
What can the family of an eligible veteran expect?
By law, military units are required to provide, at a minimum, a two-person uniformed detail to present the core elements of the Funeral Honors ceremony. The core elements of the funeral honors ceremony, which will be conducted, are:
- Playing of Taps
- Flag folding
- Flag presentation (by the veteran's parent Service representative)
Additional Funeral Honors elements that could be provided as part of the Funeral Honors ceremony include:
- Rifle detail
- Color guard
- Pallbearers
- Caisson
- Military flyover
Burial Flag
A United States flag is provided, at no cost, to drape the casket or accompany the urn of a deceased Veteran who served honorably in the U. S. Armed Forces. It is furnished to honor the memory of a Veteran's military service to his or her country. Generally, the funeral director will help you obtain the flag by completing VA Form 27-2008.
- Burial flags are provided at no cost.
- After the burial, the flag will be presented to the veteran's next of kin. If no claim is made for the flag by the next of kin, it may be given, upon request, to a close friend or associate of the deceased veteran.
- Additional information can be obtained from the VA's website
What is a Presidential Memorial Certificate? Who is eligible and how does the family it?
This is a parchment certificate with a calligraphic inscription expressing the nation's grateful recognition of an honorably discharged, deceased veteran's service in the Armed Forces. The veteran's name is inscribed and the certificate bears the signature of the President. Next of kin, other relatives and friends may request the certificate in person at any VA regional office or by mail. More information about this certificate is available at www.cem.va.gov/pmc.asp
