Military Funeral Honors – The Essentials
Military Funeral Honors provides a final tribute to eligible veterans and a meaningful ceremony to their families. Military OneSource provides information to help you navigate the process to arrange Military Funeral Honors.
Here’s what you and your family need to know.
Determining eligibility for Military Funeral Honors
Funeral honors are provided to demonstrate the military and the nation’s deep gratitude for honorable service. Depending on discharge status and other factors, most veterans, active-duty service members and certain civilian or contractual groups who have been given active-duty determination are eligible for such honors. Read more information on eligibility for Military Funeral Honors.
Relevant Articles:
- Military Funeral Honors Eligibility
- Frequently Asked Questions About Military Funeral Honors
- Funeral and Burial Benefits for Service Members
Relevant Resources:
- DD Form 214: Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty
- Military Funeral Honors Directory
- The Days Ahead: Essential Papers for Families of Fallen Service Members
- Military Funeral Honors Program and Eligibility eTutorial
What to expect during Military Funeral Honors
Some of the traditions of Military Funeral Honors are well-known, such as the folding of the flag, the playing of Taps and the presence of a uniformed detail. Here is information about what a family of an eligible veteran can expect.
Relevant Articles:
- What to Expect During Military Funeral Honors
- Making Funeral and Burial Arrangements
- Funeral and Burial Benefits for Service Members
Relevant Resources:
- Military Funeral Honors: Frequently Asked Questions
- Military Funeral Honors Directory
- National Cemetery Administration
- History and Development of the National Cemetery Administration
- National Cemeteries by State
- Veteran’s Cemeteries by State
- Arlington National Cemetery
- Flag Presentation Protocol
- Military Funeral Honors Program and Eligibility eTutorial
Get the support you need when navigating the process
Your funeral director/planner can help you request Military Funeral Honors, and guide you to the necessary forms and applications, from determining eligibility to working with local veterans’ organizations. Military funeral honors are available at no cost to the family.
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