The basic Military Funeral Honors ceremony consists of the folding and presentation of the United States flag to the veteran’s family and the playing of Taps. The ceremony is performed by a funeral honors detail consisting of at least two members of the Armed Forces. At least one member of the detail will be a representative of the parent Service of the deceased veteran. Taps may be played by a bugler, or if a bugler is not available, by using a quality recorded version. This basic service will be provided to every eligible veteran, when requested. Depending upon the culture and traditions of the Military Service, additional personnel or other elements of funeral honors may be added.

In addition, local Veterans Service Organizations (VSO), who have historically performed Military Funeral Honors, and other authorized organizations may complement the Military Funeral Honors detail. For example, the VSOs might augment the ceremony by providing a firing party. This voluntary assistance would be in addition to the services provided by the Military Funeral Honors detail. If a VSO or authorized organization in the area expresses an interest in assisting the Military Funeral Honors ceremony, and if desired by the family, our funeral planners will notify the Military Service point of contact.

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.

Information on Military Funeral Honors, Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits, and answers to frequently asked questions are at the Military Funeral Honors website: www.militaryfuneralhonors.osd.mil. The website contains up-to-date information and links to other related websites.