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. Navy veteran funeral:
- Pall bearers in dress blues or whites
- Folding and presentation of the U.S. flag
- Playing of Taps
- Eight bells — the Navy's final tribute, signaling end of watch
- Three-volley salute when honor detail is available
Signature U.S. Navy tradition
Eight bells rung at the conclusion of services — 'sailor of the watch is relieved.' This tradition originated on shipboard timekeeping where every four hours, eight bells signaled the end of a watch and the rest of the crew.
Music played at services
Anchors Aweigh and Eternal Father, Strong to Save (Navy Hymn)
The flag fold and presentation
After the 13-fold, the flag is presented with: "On behalf of the President of the United States, the United States Navy, and a grateful nation..." Burial at sea is also offered to eligible veterans, conducted from a Navy vessel.
Notable cemetery
Arlington National Cemetery and burial at sea (active and reserve) is among the cemeteries most closely associated with U.S. Navy 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. Navy 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. Navy 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.