Veterans and active-duty military members are entitled to receive military funeral honors, which are carried out by an honor guard detail at no cost. These traditions are deeply rooted in respect and are designed to honor the service and sacrifice of the deceased. Funeral directors can assist families in requesting these honors for eligible veterans, ensuring that the ceremony is performed with the utmost dignity.

Military Funeral Honors

Military funeral honors are conducted by the deceased’s branch of service and can be arranged at both military and private cemeteries. Typically, the honors include a casket team of pallbearers, a firing party, a bugler, and the ceremonial folding and presentation of the burial flag, as detailed by Arlington National Cemetery.

In addition to the standard honors, further ceremonies may be included based on the deceased’s rank or distinguished service, such as receiving the Medal of Honor, being a prisoner of war, or being killed in action. According to Arlington National Cemetery, veterans who meet specific criteria will receive an enhanced level of military honors, which may include an escort, a military band, and a marching element, with the scale and scope of these elements varying according to rank.

The sequence of honors follows a prescribed order, beginning with the arrival of the casket at the burial site. The casket team carefully secures the casket, and the burial flag is then stretched taut over the coffin before being lowered and secured. Following the chaplain’s service, a rifle volley is initiated by the non-commissioned officer-in-charge and the officer-in-charge, which is succeeded by the playing of Taps. The family is then invited to take their seats while the casket team leader starts the flag-folding and presentation process.

Gun Salutes

The tradition of the gun salute originated as a naval custom where warships would fire all their cannons to signal non-hostile intent by expending all available ammunition. Over time, this practice evolved into the 21-gun salute, which is used to honor U.S. presidents and former presidents. The number of rifle volleys decreases according to the rank of the individual being honored, with a four-star Army general receiving a 17-gun salute.

During military funerals, a three-rifle volley is performed by a team of three to seven riflemen who fire three volleys in succession. Traditionally, three spent cartridges are placed inside the folded flag before it is presented to a family member, adding a personal touch to the tribute.

The Sounding of Taps

Taps is a poignant melody played on a bugle that has been a tradition at military funerals since the Civil War. Officially recognized by the U.S. Army in 1874, Taps became the standard for funeral ceremonies by 1891 and was later designated as the “National Song of Military Remembrance” in 2013.

At military funerals, Taps may be performed live by a ceremonial bugler, by a bugle equipped with a recording of the melody, or through a high-quality audio recording. This solemn tune serves as a final, respectful farewell to the deceased.

Flag Folding and Presentation

After the conclusion of Taps, two military service members perform the ceremonial folding of the burial flag. The flag, which has been draped over the casket, is carefully folded 13 times into a triangle, with six of the 50 white stars prominently displayed. Although the exact symbolism behind the 13 folds has been lost over time, this ritual is conducted with great precision to honor the deceased’s service and sacrifice.

The folded flag is then presented to the deceased’s spouse, parent, or child by one of the service members. Many families choose to display this flag in a triangular military funeral flag display as a lasting tribute to their loved one’s service.

Help Planning Military Funerals

We are dedicated to supporting you through the challenging process of planning a military funeral. We are here to assist you in selecting the casket that best honors your veteran, whether you are looking for a special steel casket for an Army veteran or another suitable option. Our goal is to provide a respectful and affordable planning experience, ensuring that your needs are met with compassion and care. Please contact us via our chat window or visit our contact page to begin planning.