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While losing a loved one is never easy, celebrating their life and legacy with a dignified funeral service may be the best way to begin the mourning process. If the deceased served in the military, you can arrange for an especially reverent ceremony—one that speaks to your friend or relative’s bravery and commitment. Before beginning the planning process, consider these tips for planning a military funeral service.

A Guide to Planning a Military Funeral Service

1. Learn About Military Honors

funeral serviceEven if your loved one had retired from service long before they passed, they’re likely still entitled to military honors—all you have to do is request it. During such a ceremony, a pair of uniformed military personnel will fold and present the American flag, and there may even be a bugler to play Taps. If not, a CD will play the song. While you can request military honors as a surviving family member, you can also ask the director of the funeral home to do so.

2. Find Out About Special Cemeteries

In some cases, your loved one may be buried in a special cemetery reserved for high-ranking military officials. While there are both state and national cemeteries for this purpose—such as the famous Arlington National Cemetery—you’ll need to find out where your loved one’s remains are permitted as well as if any plots are available. Burying your friend or relative in one of these areas is considered an honor, as they will be around other men and women who served their country.

3. Design a Headstone or Grave Marker

If your loved one served in the military, the Department of Veterans Affairs may produce a headstone or grave marker for their final resting place at no cost. This applies to burials that take place in national, military post, or state veterans cemeteries. Talk to your funeral director about which materials may be available to you as well as what styles of lettering the cemetery will accept.

 

If you have additional questions about planning a funeral service for a loved one who served in the military, get in touch with Cornelius, Dodd & Connell Inc. Funeral Home of Middletown, NY, today. In addition to burials, they also offer cremation services, so you can ensure your friend or relative gets the send-off they wished for. For more information about their offerings, visit the website. You can also call (845) 343-2142 to set up an appointment with their compassionate staff.

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