An independent directory for U.S. veterans and their families. Not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

An American Memorial Directory
VeteransFuneral

Established 1790 · Semper Paratus

U.S. Coast Guard funerals

Coast Guard veterans are eligible for full military funeral honors. The Coast Guard, despite its smaller size, maintains an active honor guard out of D.C. that travels for senior funerals; local detachments handle most enlisted services.

Standard military funeral honors

All veterans discharged under conditions other than dishonorable are entitled to military funeral honors at no cost to the family (10 U.S.C. § 1491). The Department of Defense funeral honors program guarantees the following at every U.S. Coast Guard veteran funeral:

  • Coast Guard pall bearers in service dress
  • Folding and presentation of the U.S. flag
  • Playing of Taps
  • Bell of the fallen — final ringing for the deceased
  • Three-volley salute when firing detail available

Signature U.S. Coast Guard tradition

The 'Bell of the Fallen' — a single bell rung in remembrance — closes Coast Guard funerals. The tradition borrows from Navy shipboard custom but is uniquely associated with Coast Guard memorial services.

Music played at services

Semper Paratus and Eternal Father, Strong to Save

The flag fold and presentation

Standard 13-fold with presentation: "On behalf of the President of the United States, the United States Coast Guard, and a grateful nation..." Burial at sea is available to eligible coasties.

Notable cemetery

Arlington; Coast Guard Cemetery, Cape May NJ is among the cemeteries most closely associated with U.S. Coast Guard interments. Eligibility is the same as for all VA national cemeteries: qualifying veterans receive plot, opening and closing, perpetual care, and a government headstone or marker at no cost.

How to request honors

The funeral home coordinates the honors detail. The home contacts the deceased's last unit (or the nearest active-duty U.S. Coast Guard installation) and submits a DD-214 to confirm eligibility. The honors detail is provided at no cost; the family selects the date and time, and the detail arrives ahead of the service.

For requests less than 72 hours from service time, the family can call 1-877-MIL-HONR (1-877-645-4667) directly to expedite scheduling.

Benefits beyond honors

Military funeral honors are one component of veteran burial benefits. Eligible U.S. Coast Guard veterans may also qualify for:

  • Burial at a VA national cemetery (free, including spouse and dependents)
  • VA burial allowance (currently $948 base for non-service-connected death)
  • Plot allowance and interment allowance for non-VA cemeteries
  • Government-furnished headstone or marker (any cemetery)
  • Presidential Memorial Certificate signed by the sitting President

See the VA benefits guide for current dollar amounts and full eligibility criteria.