Military funeral honors

What military funeral honors include, and how to request them

Federal law (10 U.S.C. § 1491) requires the Department of Defense to provide, on request, a funeral honors detail for the funeral of an eligible veteran. At a minimum the detail folds and presents the U.S. flag to the family and plays Taps. The funeral director usually requests it for you.

What does a military honors detail include?

At least two people: the law requires two or more, at least two of them serving (not retired) members of the armed forces. The rest can be retirees or members of approved veterans organizations.
Folding and presentation of the flag to the veteran's family.
Taps, played by a bugler if one is available, or otherwise by a ceremonial bugle or a recorded version.

Veterans Service Organizations and other partner programs may add elements such as a rifle detail, pallbearers or an escort.

How do you request military funeral honors?

Ask your funeral director. Funeral directors, or a personal representative, request honors on the family's behalf.
Have the veteran's DD214 or other discharge papers ready.
Ask early. VA suggests contacting the military service branch at least 48 to 72 hours before the service.
For a burial in a VA national cemetery, cemetery staff can also help arrange honors. There the committal service, with honors if requested, is held at a committal shelter and lasts about 20 minutes.

Can a cremated veteran have military funeral honors?

Yes. Eligibility depends on the veteran's service, not on whether they are buried or cremated, and VA says its burial benefits cover cremation. At a VA national cemetery the committal service, with honors if you request them, is held at the committal shelter, and you can bring the urn there.

Honors and traditions by branch

The minimum is the same for every branch. Each branch page covers what that branch's detail may add, and its customs and music: