Military Funeral Honors: What Families Can Request and How

When a veteran dies, families are often unsure what the military provides and who to ask. The short answer: eligible veterans are entitled by law to a military funeral honors ceremony at no cost, and the funeral director usually arranges it. Here is what that includes, from the VA and Department of Defense.

What the law guarantees

If the family requests it, an eligible veteran receives a ceremony with at least two members of the armed forces, one of them from the veteran's own branch. At a minimum the detail:

• Plays Taps, by a bugler if one is available, otherwise on a ceremonial bugle.
• Folds the American flag and presents it to the next of kin.

The Department of Defense is clear that families never pay for military funeral honors. A rifle volley, pallbearers and other elements may be added depending on eligibility and availability, sometimes with help from veterans service organizations.

Who is eligible

• Service members who die on active duty.
• Veterans discharged honorably or under honorable conditions.
• Members and former members of the Selected Reserve.

Those discharged under dishonorable conditions, and people convicted of certain serious crimes, are not eligible.

How to request honors

1. Tell the funeral director the family wants military funeral honors. They contact the branch on your behalf.
2. Give at least 48 hours' notice; the VA suggests 48 to 72 hours before the service.
3. Have the veteran's discharge paperwork ready, usually the DD Form 214.

Other things families can ask for

• A burial flag. Next of kin or a close friend can request one with VA Form 27-2008 through the funeral director, a VA regional office or many post offices.
• A Presidential Memorial Certificate, an engraved certificate signed by the current president, for veterans eligible for burial in a national cemetery (VA Form 40-0247).
• A government headstone or marker at no charge, or a medallion to add to a private headstone (VA Form 40-1330 for headstones and markers).

Our guide to finding a veteran's grave covers the VA's online locator, and flag etiquette at a grave covers placing a flag later on.