Important resources and information for Veterans

Military funeral honors are a profound tribute, reflecting the nation’s deep respect for our veterans’ service and sacrifice. Each element of the ceremony honors their dedication, providing a heartfelt and dignified farewell.

What happens during a military funeral?

Folding & presentation of the U.S. flag The ceremonial folding and presentation of the flag of the United States is a requirement for every military funeral.

Playing of Taps The iconic bugle call of Taps is an old tradition, dating back to the middle of the 1800s.

Military pallbearers’ duties Military funeral pallbearers are tasked with the solemn duty of carrying the casket of a deceased service member with precision and dignity.

Frequently asked questions

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.

Who is not eligible for Military Funeral Honors? Any person separated from the Armed Forces under dishonorable conditions or whose character of service results in a bar to veteran’s benefits. Any person who was ordered to report to an induction station, but was not actually inducted into military service. Any person discharged from the Selected Reserve prior to completing one term of enlistment or period of initial obligated service for reasons other than a disability incurred or aggravated in the line of duty. Any person convicted of a Federal or State capital crime sentenced to death or life imprisonment.

How do I establish veteran eligibility? The preferred method is the DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty. If the DD Form 214 is not available, any discharge document showing other than dishonorable service can be used. The DD Form 214 may be obtained by filling out a Standard Form 180 and sending it to: National Personnel Records Center(NPRC) 9700 Page Blvd. St. Louis, MO 63132 The Standard Form 180 may be obtained from the National Records Center or via the following web site: FORM: Government 180 Form

Is anyone else eligible to receive funeral honors? Yes. Members of the Commissioned Officer Corps of the Public Health Service (PHS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), as members of a Uniformed Service, are also eligible to receive funeral honors. For NOAA personnel, eligibility is established using NOAA Form 56-16, Report of Transfer or Discharge. If the family does not have a copy of the NOAA Form 56-16, it may by obtained by contacting the Chief, Officer Services Division, NOAA Commissioned Personnel Center at (301) 713-7715.

Who Is Eligible to Receive the Burial Flag? Generally, the flag is given to the next-of-kin, as a keepsake, after its use during the funeral service. When there is no next-of-kin, VA will furnish the flag to a friend making request for it. For those VA national cemeteries with an Avenue of Flags, families of veterans buried in these national cemeteries may donate the burial flags of their loved ones to be flown on patriotic holidays.

How Can You Apply? You may apply for the flag by completing VA Form 27-2008, Application for United States Flag for Burial Purposes. You may get a flag at any VA regional office or U.S. Post Office. Generally, the funeral director will help you obtain the flag.

Can a Burial Flag Be Replaced? The law allows us to issue one flag for a veteran’s funeral. We cannot replace it if it is lost, destroyed, or stolen. However, some veterans’ organizations or other community groups may be able to help you get another flag.

How Should the Burial Flag Be Displayed? The proper way to display the flag depends upon whether the casket is open or closed. VA Form 27-2008 provides the correct method for displaying and folding the flag. The burial flag is not suitable for outside display because of its size and fabric. It is made of cotton and can easily be damaged by weather.

Journey to serve

Journey to Serve is a unique marketing campaign launched in 2021 by the Funeral Service Foundationand the ICCFA Educational Foundation. This collaborative effort between organizations aims to engage, recruit and hire more military veterans to careers in the funeral service profession.

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