When a loved one who’s served in the military dies, one option is to honor them with a veteran’s funeral. The government offers a range of products and services to celebrate the accomplishments of the brave men and women who have served their country. To help you create a ceremony that will highlight this aspect of their lives, here’s all you need to know about planning a funeral for a veteran.

What Is Provided By the Government?

In Connecticut, deceased veterans receive a group of two to five members of an honor guard, not including the bugler. The honor guard will arrive in full uniform, thank your loved one for their service, and carry out the ceremonial folding of the American flag. When the folding is concluded, it will be presented to the next of kin. Meanwhile, the bugler will play taps as a salute to your loved one. All of this is provided cost-free to families of servicemen and women who meet specific requirements.

If you’re using a private cemetery, you can also apply for a veteran’s headstone through the Department of Veterans Affairs. An official grave marker will showcase your loved one’s achievements and dedication to the country.

What Else Can You Include in a Military Funeral?

There are a few other ways you can honor the service of your loved one. For example, in the eulogy, you can offer one or two anecdotes about your meetings when they returned from service, or share stories they had about memorable moments.

Don’t forget to ensure their veteran friends and service companions are aware of the funeral proceedings. You can do this by posting details about the ceremony and visitation on social media. Inviting one of them to speak can bring even more powerful stories to the forefront. 

If you’re planning a military funeral, it will be helpful to have the support of a trusted funeral home like Adzima Funeral Home in Stratford, CT. Serving the community for over a century, this family-run institution is available 24/7 to support you. They’ll be there to ease the burden on you during this difficult time. Learn more about what they do online or call (203) 375-2200 to reach a compassionate funeral director.