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An American Memorial Directory
VeteransFuneral

Established 2019 · Semper Supra

U.S. Space Force funerals

Space Force is the newest branch (est. 2019). Guardians transferred from the Air Force retain eligibility for Air Force-specific traditions including the Missing Man flyover. Younger Guardians who joined directly are establishing new traditions.

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. Space Force veteran funeral:

  • Space Force Guardian pall bearers in service dress
  • Folding and presentation of the U.S. flag
  • Playing of Taps
  • Three-volley salute when honor detail is available

Signature U.S. Space Force tradition

Established in 2019, the Space Force is still standardizing memorial traditions. As of now, Guardians receive standard military funeral honors with the Space Force flag presented alongside the U.S. flag. Future ceremonial traditions are being developed by the Space Force Heritage Office.

Music played at services

Semper Supra (the Space Force song, 2022)

The flag fold and presentation

Standard 13-fold: "On behalf of the President of the United States, the United States Space Force, and a grateful nation..." Guardians who transferred from the Air Force may request Air Force traditions.

Notable cemetery

Arlington National Cemetery is among the cemeteries most closely associated with U.S. Space Force 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. Space Force 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. Space Force 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.