Honoring Veterans
The men and women of our armed forces have made untold sacrifices to serve our country. We are deeply thankful for their service, and are committed to honoring them with a dignified veteran's funeral service.
If you or your loved one served in the military, there are many benefits you should know about, and we are here to help you navigate this process and answer any questions you might have. We are dedicated to helping you or your loved one receive a dignified military funeral and all associated honors.
Military Funeral Eligibility
Military funeral honors are provided to veterans free of charge in honor of their many sacrifices. Eligibility can be verified by the veteran’s form DD214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty. This form can be obtained through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) website, or by filling out a Standard Form 180, also obtainable from the VA website, and mailing it to the following address:
National Personnel Records Center (NPRC)
1 Archives Dr.
St. Louis, MO 63138
Eligible members of the armed forces include:
- Military members who died while on active duty.
- Veterans who served in active service or selected reserves and were discharged or released by means of an “honorable” or “under honorable conditions” discharge.
- Members of the Commissioned Officers Corps of the Public Health Service and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
- Certain civilian or contractual groups who have been named active-duty designees for the military, Navy or Air Force services.
Veterans, service members, spouses, and dependents may be eligible for burial in a VA national cemetery, as well as other benefits, if they meet one of the requirements listed below:
- A veteran who didn’t receive a dishonorable discharge
- A service member who died while on active duty, active duty for training, or inactive duty for training
- The spouse or minor child of a veteran, even if the veteran died first
- In some cases, the unmarried adult dependent child of a veteran
Military funeral honors include the playing of “Taps,” a rifle detail, a color guard and uniformed service members who properly fold and present the United States flag to the grieving family. These flags are typically given to the deceased’s next of kin or close friend. In order for the survivors to qualify to receive the burial flag, the veteran or reservist must be described by at least one of the following:
- Served in wartime
- Died while serving on active duty after May 27, 1941
- Served after January 31, 1955
- Served in peacetime and left military service before June 27, 1950, after serving at least one enlistment or because of a disability that was caused - or made worse - by their active military service
- Served in the Selected Reserves, or served in the military forces of the Philippines while in service of the United States and died on or after April 25, 1951.
Traditional Military Funeral Honors
Military funeral honors offer a final gesture of gratitude and dignity for those who have served our country. Once you request a military funeral for yourself or your loved one, there are several honors that can take place, including, at minimum, the playing of “Taps” by a bugler or recording, and the folding and presentation of the flag to the next of kin.
Honors can also include a three-volley rifle salute to represent duty, honor and country, the draping of the flag over the casket, and a graveside final salute. These honors will be performed by two active members of the armed forces, including one from the branch in which you or your loved one served.
Traditional Military Funeral Honors
There are many additional benefits available to veterans aside from the funeral service itself. We can help you work with the VA to arrange for a number of associated benefits, including:
- Burial in a national cemetery
- A Presidential Memorial Certificate
- A headstone or marker
We are dedicated to caring for veterans and their families. If you have any questions about veterans’ benefits, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We are here for you in your time of need.
