Military Honors

Steeped in tradition and ceremony, military funeral honors recognize the commitment and patriotism of a veteran and show our nation’s deep gratitude to those who loyally protected and defended our country. 

Military funeral honors include a military detail holding and placing an American flag over the casket, playing of taps, and folding and presenting the flag to the next of kin. If the veteran or soldier holds a specific rank, he or she may be eligible for a 21 gun salute as well. Some local veterans organizations may also provide military funeral honors or assist military members rendering honors.

Military funeral honors for an eligible veteran occur at the request of the family. A.J. Desmond and Sons schedules military honors with the proper division within the armed forces and recommends the ideal time for this ceremony to occur during the remembrance services. 

Eligibility

Those eligible for military funeral honors include:

• Military members on active duty or in the Selected Reserve.
• Former military members who served on active duty and departed under conditions other than dishonorable.
• Former military members who completed at least one term of enlistment or period of initial obligated service in the Selected Reserve and departed under conditions other than dishonorable.
• Former military members discharged from the Selected Reserve due to a disability incurred or aggravated in the line of duty.

Visit Veterans Cemeteries to learn more about burial benefits. Visit Personalizing Veterans Services for merchandise and ceremony ideas.