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Military Funeral Honors
By Stephen S Lamb
The rendering of military funeral honors is a way to
show the nation's deep gratitude to those who, in times
of war and peace, have faithfully defended our country.
This ceremonial paying of respect is the final
demonstration a grateful nation can provide to the
veterans' families. While these honors have always been
provided whenever possible, the law now mandates the
rendering of Military Funeral Honors for an eligible
veteran if requested by the family.
What happens at a Military Funeral Honors ceremony?
The Department of Defense will provide an honor guard,
consisting of at least two members of the Armed Forces,
for the ceremony. At least one member of the detail will
be a member of the branch in which the veteran served.
During the ceremony, the honor guard will fold and
present the United States flag to the veteran's family.
Taps will be played by a bugler, if available, or by a
recording. Depending on the branch of service,
additional elements may be added. A local Veterans
Service Organization (VSO) may also participate in the
ceremony, providing a firing party, for example. Richard
Lamb Funeral Service staff can assist you in making
arrangements with the Department of Defense and a local
VSO, if available.
Who is eligible for Military Funeral Honors?
To demonstrate eligibility, the family must provide a
discharge document showing a discharge other than
dishonorable service. The preferred method for
establishing eligibility is the DD Form 214, known as
Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty. A
DD 214 form can be obtained by completing a Standard
Form 180, which is available online at [http://www.nara.gov/publications/forms/sf180.pdf].
For information on eligibility for a burial flag, please
see the Department of Veterans Affairs website at.
[http://www.cem.va.gov/bflags.htm].
What does the ceremony cost?
There is no cost to families for Military Funeral Honors.
How can a Presidential Memorial Certificate be obtained?
Who is eligible?
Any deceased, honorably discharged veteran is eligible
for the Certificate. To request a Certificate, please
visit your nearest Veterans Affairs regional office or
send a request by mail to the following address:
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
National Cemetery Administration
810 Vermont Ave., NW
Washington DC
You can find more information about the Certificate
online at [http://www.cem.va.gov/pmc.htm]
Where can I learn more about Military Funeral Honors?
A website is available for further information at
http://www.militaryfuneralhonors.osd.mil/
Stephen Lamb writes for the Richard Lamb New Traditions
e-newsletter, The Richard Lamb Telegram. Richard Lamb
New Traditions provides new options for honoring beloved
people and pets.
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