Military Funeral Honors: What They Include and How to Request Them
Military funeral honors are a short ceremony provided by the armed forces for eligible veterans. Most families arrange them through the funeral home. This page explains what happens, who qualifies, how far ahead to ask, and what optional extras may be possible.
Every eligible veteran can receive military funeral honors. At a minimum, at least two uniformed members of the armed forces, one from the veteran’s branch, play Taps and fold and present the U.S. flag to the family. The Department of Defense and the military services provide the honors at no cost to the family. The funeral director usually requests and coordinates them, at least 48 to 72 hours before the service.
What happens at the service
The minimum ceremony has two parts:
- Taps. Played by a bugler if one is available, or on a ceremonial bugle, a bugle fitted with a device that plays Taps.
- The flag. Military OneSource says the flag is folded 13 times into a triangle, for the 13 original colonies, and the detail presents it to the next of kin with the words: “On behalf of the president of the United States, please accept this flag as a symbol of our appreciation for your loved one’s honorable and faithful service.”
By law, the minimum detail is two uniformed members. Additional personnel may join, depending on what the military has available. A veteran is entitled to one honors ceremony, held at the time of the funeral.
Sources: Military OneSource; Military OneSource, funeral honors FAQ; VA National Cemetery Administration, military funeral honors; 10 U.S.C. 1491.
Who is eligible
Federal law requires the Department of Defense to provide an honors detail on request for an eligible veteran. The law covers two groups: people who served on active duty and were discharged under conditions other than dishonorable, and members or former members of the Selected Reserve who meet the law’s service conditions. Reserve and Guard cases can turn on those conditions, so ask if you are not sure. Military OneSource can help you check.
The DD-214 or other discharge papers are the proof. Have them ready when you talk to the funeral home.
Sources: 10 U.S.C. 1491; VA National Cemetery Administration, military funeral honors.
How to request military funeral honors
The military services provide the honors. The funeral home’s part is to request and coordinate them.
- Ask the funeral director. Funeral homes usually request honors from the military as part of arrangements. Say the person was a veteran at the first meeting.
- Request early. The VA says to contact the military service at least 48 to 72 hours before the service. Earlier is better.
- At a VA national cemetery, cemetery staff can help arrange honors.
- A veterans service organization may provide additional support, such as an honor guard.
- If you are arranging it yourself, Military OneSource (800-342-9647) has a funeral honors directory and can point you to the right contact.
Source: VA National Cemetery Administration, military funeral honors.
Extras that may be available
The law sets the minimum: Taps and the folding and presentation of the flag. Military OneSource says a veterans service organization may add elements such as a rifle detail or pallbearers. Anything beyond the minimum depends on the service and who is available, so ask what is planned before you assume.
When someone says the veteran will have “full honors,” ask what is included so the family knows what to expect.
Sources: 10 U.S.C. 1491; Military OneSource, funeral honors FAQ.
Utah notes
- The Utah Veterans Cemetery says an Honor Guard and Flag Ceremony are available. The office told us the funeral home usually arranges honors; if it doesn’t, the cemetery will help. Call 801-254-9036 with questions. See Utah Veterans Cemetery.
- Honors are separate from the burial flag, which the funeral director can usually get. See headstones, markers and memorial items.
- Honors do not require a burial in a veterans cemetery. Families using a private cemetery can still ask for them through the funeral home.
Questions to ask
- Can you request military honors for us?Most funeral homes do. Ask how far ahead they need the DD-214.
- What will the honors detail include?At a minimum, Taps and the flag. Ask whether a live bugler or a ceremonial bugle will be used.
- Is there any charge?Military OneSource says honors are provided free to the family.
- Can honors take place at the graveside, at the funeral, or both?The timing can affect the flag and the schedule.
Where to get official help
Military funeral honors questions
Are honors available for a cremated veteran?
How many people are in the honors detail?
Do we have to be buried in a veterans cemetery to receive honors?
How soon do we have to ask?
What if the veteran did not have an honorable discharge?
“Who is submitting the request for military funeral honors, and how will we know the request has been confirmed?”
Ready to put this into a plan?
Your Wayfinder Plan can help organize the options you’re considering and what to ask. For a decision on eligibility or a claim, go to the agency itself: Military OneSource at 800-342-9647, or militaryonesource.mil.