Military Honors

Military honors is the ceremonial final salute given to a veteran at his or her funeral. It is mainly performed by two military honor guardsmen, however,. It can include a firiing party that fires a three-round salute. The firing party often serves as pallbearers. At the minimum, it will include two honor guardsmen to fold the American flag and a bugler to sound taps. If a qualified bugler is not available, a high quality recording of taps can be played. The family makes the decision on what parts of the ceremony they will include in their memorial service. Eligibility for Military Honors is not the same criteria as eligibility for burial in a national or state cemetery.

At least two of the honor guardsmen must be non-retired armed services members. Additional honor guardsmen may be from local veterans' organizations.

In most cases military honors are performed after the memorial service.

There is no charge for the military members who provide military honors. A voluntary donation can be made to the veterans' organizations who accept donations to defray costs.

Eligibilty

Any veteran who served on active duty and was discharged under any condition other than dishonorable, is entitled to military honors. Reservists and National Guard members may also be eligible, providing they have spent time on active duty, in an other-than-training capacity. Members of the Coast Guard can also receive millitary honors.

The Department of Defense website has eligibility information at: www.militaryhonors.osd.mil.

It is the Department of Defense policy that a military funeral honors ceremony shall be provided to eligible beneficiaries, upon request. Commanders at all levels must support paying a final tribute on behalf of a grateful Nation to comrades in arms, and must respond expeditiously and sensitively to requests for military funeral support. Rendering military funeral honors reflects the high regard and respect accorded to Military Service, and demonstrates military professionalism to the Nation and the world.

Our dedication to you

If there are any questions of any kind, one of our Veteran's Funeral Specialist will be honored to make any necessary phone calls or written applications to ensure you have complete knowledge of your options.