Military funeral ceremonies honor their bravery, heroism, and noble sacrifice for their country. If you’ve recently lost a loved one who served, you can request one of these tributes at no cost to you and your family. The guide below explains how they work and what they entail. 

What Are Traditional Elements & Honors of a Military Funeral?

What the Law Provides

Under Section 578 of Public Law 106-65 of the National Defense Authorization Act, all eligible veterans are entitled to a military ceremony. Eligibility applies to all service members on active duty or in the selected reserve, as well as veterans, provided they were not dishonorably discharged. The law also dictates what all services must include. 

What Military Burials Include

At the ceremony, an honor guard with two or more military members will be present to pay respects. At least one member of this honor guard will represent the parent armed service in which the veteran served. Taps, a bugle call, will be played. Following this tribute, the honor guard will fold and present the nation’s flag to your family. Some may be eligible for the firing of three volleys. 

How to Request Them 

Funeral directors can make the arrangements. Ask your funeral home about other benefits to which your loved one may be entitled, such as a presidential memorial certificate. Alternatively, if you’d like to reach out yourself or learn more about what to expect, you may visit the Department of Defense website to connect with the appropriate coordinator, whether your loved one served in the Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard. 

You deserve to honor your hero in the most respectful way. For help planning a touching service to respect your loved one’s memory, contact E.C. Nurre Funeral Home in Amelia, New Richmond, and Bethel, OH. In addition to the full honor military funerals, they also offer their own standard arrangement, which includes a final graveside salute. Call today at (513) 753-6130 or visit them online to learn more about how these caring professionals help you through this challenging time.