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Military
Funeral Honors Frequently Asked Questions
Information
on Military Honors, Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
benefits, and answers to frequently asked questions are
at the Military Funeral Honors web site:http://www.militaryfuneralhonors.osd.mil/
The web site contains up-to-date information and direct
links to other related web sites.
1.
What is Military Funeral Honors?
The
basic Military Funeral Honors ceremony consists of the folding
and presentation of the United States flag to the veteran
s family and the playing of Taps. The ceremony is performed
by a funeral honors detail consisting of at least two members
of the Armed Forces. At least one of the funeral honors
detail will be from the Armed Force in which the deceased
veteran served. Taps may be played by a bugler or, if a
bugler is not available, by using a quality recorded version.
This basic ceremony will be provided to every eligible veteran,
when requested. Depending upon the culture and traditions
of the Military Service, additional personnel or other elements
of funeral honors may be added.
In
addition, local Veterans Service Organizations VSO), who
have historically performed Military Funeral Honors, and
other authorized organization may complement the Military
Funeral Honors detail. For example, the VSOs might augment
the ceremony by providing a firing party. This voluntary
assistance would be in addition to the services provided
by the Military Funeral Honors detail. If there is a VSO
or authorized organization in the area that might have an
interest in assisting in the Military Funeral Honors ceremony,
and if desired by the family, the funeral director should
notify the Military Service point of contact.
2.
How do I establish veteran eligibility?
The
preferred method is the DD Form 214, Certificate of Release
or Discharge from Active Duty. If the DD Form 214 is not
available, any discharge document showing other than dishonorable
service can be used. The DD 214 may be obtained by filling
out a Standard Form 180 and sending it to:
National
personnel Records Center (NPRC)
9700 Page Blvd.
St. Louis, MO 63132
The
standard Form 180 may be obtained from the National Records
Center or via the Internet at:
http://www.nara.gov/publications/pubindex.html
3.
Who is eligible for a burial flag
The
VA establishes eligibility. Your funeral director will assist
you in obtaining a flag. More information is available at:
http://www.cem.va.gov/bflags.htm
4.
What is a Presidential Memorial Certificate? Who is eligible
to receive this certificate? How does the family obtain
this certificate?
This
is a parchment certificate with a calligraphic inscription
expressing the nation s grateful recognition of an honorably
discharged, deceased veteran s service in the Armed Forces.
The veteran s name is inscribed and the certificate bears
the signature of the President.
All
veterans are eligible to receive this certificate. The family
may request a Presidential Memorial Certificate either in
person at any VA regional office or by U.S. mail. Requests
cannot be sent via email. There is no form to fill out when
requesting this certificate. If requesting by mail, a return
address and a copy of the veterans s discharge documents
must be enclosed. Send requests to:
U.S.
Department of Veterans Affairs
National Cemetery Administration (403A)
810 Vermont Ave., NW
Washington, DC 20420
More information is available at:
http://www.cem.va.gov/
5.
How do I request a grave marker?
Your
funeral director will assist you or if you have questions
about grave markers, family members can write to the VA
at:
Memorial
Programs Service (403)
Department of Veterans Affairs
810 Vermont Ave., NW
Washington, DC 20420
More information is available at:
http://www.cem.va.gov/hm.htm
6.
To whom can I write to express comments or concerns about
the Military Funeral Honors program?
You
may write to:
Military Funeral Honors
9504 IH 35 North, Suite 320
San Antonio, TX 78233-663 |
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