How To Schedule Military Honors At Funeral
How To Schedule Military Honors At Funeral
It can be a difficult time when we lose a loved one, and planning a funeral can be overwhelming. If your loved one served in the military, you may be wondering how to schedule military honors at their funeral. In this article, we will guide you through the process and answer some common questions about military honors at funerals.
Personal Experience
When my grandfather passed away, we knew that we wanted to honor his service in the military with a proper military send-off. However, we were unsure of how to go about scheduling the military honors. We reached out to the funeral home and they were able to help us through the process. It was a beautiful ceremony, and we were grateful for the service that our grandfather had given to his country.
What Are Military Honors?
Military honors are a way to recognize and show gratitude for the service of a veteran. The ceremony can include a flag-folding ceremony, the playing of Taps, and the presentation of the flag to the family of the deceased.
How To Schedule Military Honors
The first step in scheduling military honors is to contact the funeral home or mortuary handling the arrangements for the deceased. The funeral home will then contact the appropriate military branch to request the honors. It is important to provide the funeral home with the veteran’s discharge papers (DD-214) to confirm their eligibility for military honors.
The military branch will then coordinate with the funeral home to schedule the honors ceremony. It is recommended to schedule the ceremony at least two weeks in advance to ensure availability of the military honor guard.
FAQs
Who is eligible for military honors at a funeral?
Veterans who served honorably in the U.S. Armed Forces are eligible for military honors at their funeral. This includes veterans who served in active duty, reserve, or National Guard components.
What if the veteran did not serve in combat?
All veterans who served honorably are eligible for military honors, regardless of whether or not they saw combat.
What happens during the military honors ceremony?
The ceremony can include a flag-folding ceremony, the playing of Taps, and the presentation of the flag to the family of the deceased.
Schedule Guide
Here is a general schedule guide for scheduling military honors at a funeral:
| Step | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Contact funeral home or mortuary | As soon as possible |
| Provide funeral home with veteran’s DD-214 | As soon as possible |
| Funeral home contacts appropriate military branch | Within 24 hours |
| Military branch confirms eligibility for honors | Within 72 hours |
| Military branch schedules honors ceremony | At least two weeks in advance |
Question and Answer
Q: How long does the military honors ceremony typically last?
A: The ceremony typically lasts around 20-30 minutes.
Q: Can family members participate in the ceremony?
A: Yes, family members can participate in the ceremony by requesting to fold the flag or by presenting the flag to the family.
Q: Is there a cost for military honors at a funeral?
A: No, there is no cost for military honors at a funeral. The honors are provided free of charge as a way to honor the veteran’s service.
Planning a funeral can be overwhelming, but scheduling military honors can provide a meaningful tribute to the service of a veteran. By following these steps and guidelines, you can ensure a proper military send-off for your loved one.