Military Funeral Honors: What to Expect and How to Prepare

Military funeral honors are a deeply moving tribute to veterans who have served their country. For families of military service members, these ceremonies offer a solemn and dignified farewell, acknowledging the dedication, sacrifice, and commitment of their loved one. Knowing what to expect and how to prepare for this ceremony can help ensure that the process is smooth and respectful.

In this post, we will explore the various aspects of military funeral honors, from eligibility to the components of the ceremony itself, and offer tips to help families prepare for this important moment.

Who Is Eligible for Military Funeral Honors?

Military funeral honors are available to:

• Active duty service members
• Veterans who served honorably in the U.S. Armed Forces
• Members of the National Guard and Reserves who were called to active duty

In addition to service members themselves, military honors may also be extended to certain categories of military retirees and veterans, as well as Medal of Honor recipients.

When a veteran or service member passes away, their family can request military funeral honors through the funeral director, who will work with the Department of Defense to coordinate the ceremony.

What to Expect During the Ceremony

A standard military funeral honors ceremony includes several key components, each of which is carefully planned and executed by military personnel. These components include:

1. The Flag Presentation The U.S. flag is a central part of the military funeral honors ceremony. During the service, the flag is draped over the casket or folded and placed near the urn for cremation services. After the final salute, the flag is folded into a triangle with only the blue field and white stars showing and is presented to the next of kin.

This moment is often one of the most emotional parts of the ceremony, as the flag is a powerful symbol of the service member's dedication to their country. The military representative will often present the flag with words such as, "On behalf of the President of the United States, the United States Army (or relevant branch), and a grateful nation, please accept this flag as a symbol of our appreciation for your loved one's honorable and faithful service."

2. The Playing of Taps One of the most iconic moments of any military funeral is the playing of “Taps,” a bugle call that has been associated with military funerals and memorials since the 19th century. This haunting melody is often performed live by a bugler, but if no bugler is available, a recording will be used.

“Taps” serves as a final farewell to the deceased, symbolizing the end of their service and the closing of their chapter in life.

3. The Rifle Volley If requested and appropriate, a rifle team will fire a three-volley salute in honor of the deceased. This tradition, which dates back to military custom, is performed by a team of seven service members who fire three shots each, totaling 21 rounds in all.

This element of the ceremony pays tribute to the fallen and is seen as a sign of respect and honor for their service.

4. The Final Salute At the close of the ceremony, military personnel in attendance, including the honor guard, will offer a final salute to the deceased. This is a formal acknowledgment of the service member's contributions and sacrifice, and it often marks the conclusion of the ceremony.

How to Prepare for Military Funeral Honors

Preparing for a military funeral honors ceremony requires careful planning. Here are some key tips to help families prepare:

1. Verify Eligibility Ensure that your loved one is eligible for military funeral honors by providing the necessary documentation, such as their DD Form 214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty). This form is essential for verifying the deceased’s military service and securing the appropriate honors.

2. Communicate with the Funeral Director Work closely with the funeral director to request military funeral honors. The funeral director will act as a liaison between your family and the military personnel, ensuring that the ceremony is arranged according to your wishes and the service member’s eligibility.

3. Prepare for Emotional Moments Military funeral honors are often deeply emotional, as they reflect the service member’s commitment and sacrifice. Prepare yourself and your family members for the powerful impact of certain moments, such as the flag presentation and the playing of “Taps.”

4. Consider Additional Personal Touches While the military funeral honors ceremony is a structured event, there is room for additional personal touches. You may wish to include readings, prayers, or music that reflect your loved one’s life and faith. Discuss these options with your funeral director to ensure they are seamlessly incorporated into the ceremony.

A Final Tribute

Military funeral honors are a meaningful way to pay tribute to those who have served their country with honor and dignity. As a family, preparing for this ceremony can help you feel more connected to your loved one’s service and ensure that their final farewell is one of respect, honor, and love.

Whether you are saying goodbye to a veteran who served in wartime or a service member who dedicated their life to protecting others, military funeral honors offer a fitting and powerful way to celebrate their legacy.