Veterans' Funerals

If you have ever attended a funeral of a veteran of the Armed Forces, you may have been witness to the very dignified and moving ceremony provided to honor the military service of the deceased. The ceremony is known as Military Funeral Honors. Governed by the Department of Defense, its real title is "Honoring Those Who Serve."

For many years this tradition was performed whenever possible, but was not required. However, as of January 1, 2000, the law mandates that whenever requested by the family, Military Funeral Honors must be rendered. The new law requires the presence of an honor guard detail of two members of the Armed Forces. One of the members must be a member of the parent service under which the veterans served. The honor guard detail folds and presents the United States burial flag to the veteran's family and plays Taps. This is provided at no cost to the family.

In order to be eligible for Military Funeral Honors, the veteran must be, at the time of death, on active duty in the military or in the Selected Reserve; or formerly on active duty and discharged under conditions not dishonorable. The veteran must have completed at least one term of enlistment. In the case of the Selected Reserve, he or she must have completed the period of initial service. In both cases, he or she must not have been dishonorably discharged. A veteran is also eligible if he or she was a member of the Selected Reserve and was discharged because he or she incurred a disability in the line of duty.

How to Request Military Funeral Honors

When Military Funeral Honors is desired by the family, the funeral home director must make the request. He must contact the appropriate military service for arrangements to be made. The request must be made at least 48 hours before the funeral date.