Military Funeral Honors
Minimum of two uniformed military members to fold and present a U.S. flag and play Taps at any veteran's funeral – free of charge.
Who qualifies: Veterans, Active duty, National Guard.
Federal law requires the military to provide funeral honors for veterans upon request:
Minimum Military Funeral Honors include:
• Folding and presentation of the American flag to next of kin
• Playing of Taps (by live bugler or high-quality recording)
• Performed by at least 2 uniformed military members
• Completely free – no cost to the family
Additional honors (based on availability and request):
• Firing party (21-gun salute) – 7 rifles fired 3 times
• Military chaplain
• Full honor guard
• Piper (for certain units and branches)
Eligibility:
• Honorably discharged veterans of any era
• Active duty service members
• National Guard and Reserve members with at least 20 years of qualifying service
Request through the funeral home – they contact the appropriate military branch. Or contact your branch's casualty office directly.
Note: A veteran's family is also entitled to a burial flag at no cost. Request from the funeral home, VA regional office, or U.S. post office.