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 1775 · Semper Fidelis

U.S. Marine Corps funerals

Marines are entitled to full military funeral honors regardless of conflict served. The Marine Corps League and local detachments often supplement official details with additional pall bearers and color guards at no cost to the family.

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. Marine Corps veteran funeral:

  • Marine pall bearers in dress blues
  • Folding and presentation of the U.S. flag
  • Playing of Taps
  • Three-volley salute by Marine firing detail
  • Reading of "Marine's Prayer" when requested

Signature U.S. Marine Corps tradition

The hymn 'Mansions of the Lord' is frequently played at Marine funerals — a 2002 composition adopted into the unofficial canon. Marines may also receive the traditional NCO sword arch at services.

Music played at services

Marines' Hymn ('From the Halls of Montezuma'), Mansions of the Lord

The flag fold and presentation

After the 13-fold, presentation reads: "On behalf of the President of the United States, the United States Marine Corps, and a grateful nation..." The flag is presented in a triangular fold with the blue field uppermost and visible.

Notable cemetery

Quantico National Cemetery; Arlington Section 60 is among the cemeteries most closely associated with U.S. Marine Corps 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. Marine Corps 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. Marine Corps 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.