Honoring a veteran's service with military funeral honors is a meaningful way to celebrate their dedication and sacrifice. The good news: these honors are often free or low-cost and can be arranged with straightforward steps. This guide walks you through exactly what to do, what to expect, and how to ensure your loved one receives the recognition they deserve.
What Are Military Funeral Honors?
Military funeral honors consist of a formal ceremony performed by active-duty or reserve military personnel. The honors typically include a flag-folding ceremony, rifle volley (or trumpet fanfare in some cases), and the playing of Taps. The specific type of honors depends on the veteran's branch of service, rank, and whether they're receiving a full military funeral, committal service, or memorial service.
Full honors might include an honor guard, caisson (ceremonial carriage), and a larger military presence. Committal honors, more commonly requested, involve a smaller detail—usually 5–7 personnel—who perform the flag presentation, rifle volley, and Taps at graveside or during the service.
Who Qualifies for Military Honors?
Not every deceased person automatically receives military funeral honors. Your veteran must meet these basic criteria:
- Served honorably in the U.S. Armed Forces (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard)
- Received an honorable or general discharge (dishonorable or bad conduct discharges disqualify them)
- Wasn't dishonorably discharged or sentenced to death by court-martial
- Served on active duty or in the reserve/National Guard components
Reserve and National Guard members also qualify if they completed their service commitment honorably.
Step-by-Step: How to Request Military Honors
Contact the Right Military Branch
Your first move is to reach out to the veteran's branch of service. Each branch has a dedicated military honors program:
- U.S. Army: Army Mortuary Affairs Officer or the Arlington National Cemetery office
- U.S. Navy: Navy Casualty Assistance Calls Officer (CACO)
- U.S. Marine Corps: Marine Corps Base or local recruiting station
- U.S. Air Force: Air Force Base Honor Guard Coordinator
- U.S. Coast Guard: Coast Guard Casualty Assistance team
If you don't know which branch your loved one served in, check their discharge papers (DD Form 214), which clearly state their branch and discharge status.
Provide Documentation
When you contact the branch, have these documents ready:
- Discharge papers (DD Form 214) or military ID
- Proof of death (death certificate)
- Service dates and rank
- Funeral home details and planned service date/time/location
Many branches now allow online requests through their portals, speeding up the process significantly.
Timing Matters
Military funeral honors should be requested as soon as possible after death—ideally within 24–48 hours. Processing typically takes 3–7 business days, though expedited requests for imminent services can sometimes be accommodated. If your funeral is scheduled within a week, inform the branch immediately so they can prioritize your request.
Coordinate with Your Funeral Home
Your funeral director can often submit the request on your behalf, which is a huge convenience. Many funeral homes have established relationships with military honors coordinators and know the exact procedures and timelines. If your funeral home doesn't offer this service, ask them to at least help you identify which branch to contact.
What to Expect During the Ceremony
A typical committal honors ceremony lasts 10–15 minutes. The honor guard will present the flag to the next of kin, fire a rifle volley (or sound a trumpet fanfare), and play Taps. The entire detail performs with precision and deep respect—it's a solemn, dignified tribute.
For full military honors, expect additional elements like a horse-drawn caisson, larger contingent of service members, and extended ceremony time. These are typically reserved for high-ranking officers or those buried in military cemeteries like Arlington National Cemetery.
Cost Considerations
Military funeral honors provided by the U.S. military are always free. There are no fees, charges, or hidden costs. Your veteran earned these honors through their service.
However, you may incur costs for the funeral service itself, casket, flowers, or cemetery plot—those are separate matters unrelated to the honors request.
If you're comparing funeral homes to handle both the service arrangements and honors coordination, Mercoly makes it easy to find and compare trusted Veteran & Military Funeral Honors providers in your area, so you can find the right fit for your family's needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What if my veteran was dishonorably discharged or court-martialed? Military honors are not provided for dishonorable discharges or death sentences; however, you may want to consult with the appropriate branch directly to confirm your specific situation, as some edge cases exist.
Q: Can military honors be held at a church or funeral home instead of a cemetery? Yes—honors can occur at any location where the service or committal takes place, whether that's a church, funeral home, cemetery, or memorial facility.
Q: How do I know if my relative's discharge was honorable? The DD Form 214 clearly states the type of discharge; if you don't have it, request a copy from the National Archives or your veteran's branch of service.
Contact your veteran's military branch today to begin the request process—don't delay, as timing is critical for coordinating honors with your scheduled service.