When a U.S. veteran passes away, their funeral gets special treatment, regardless of whether their death occurred on duty. As they made an honorable sacrifice to fight for their country, the family and funeral director work to ensure the service reflects this nobility. If you’ve never attended such a funeral service before, the following guide details what to expect.

What to Expect From a Military Funeral Service

Standard Aspects of a Military Funeral

Compared to a traditional civilian funeral, veteran funerals are more formal. Often, the ceremony will feature a solemn flag folding period, during which the American flag is folded into a neat triangle and presented to the closest family members. Then, the signature veteran funeral song, “Taps” is played through a recording or a live bugler.

Measures for High Rank

Sometimes the status of the officer during their service or the nature of their death is cause for additional honorary measures. For example, there may be an honor guard—a group of at least two military members—to carry the casket or perform a rifle detail, where they fire three volleys of shots. High-ranking officers might even be eligible for a military fly-over.

Proper Etiquette for the Service

Dress Code

To convey your respect for the veteran, you should avoid denim, T-shirts, and flashy or revealing clothing. Instead, opt for dark-hued dresses or suits and closed-toed shoes. If you are also in the military, you can wear your Class-A dress uniform to pay your respects.

Seating & Saluting

Leave the first rows of seats for family members and friends closest to the veteran. Occasionally, you may need to stand. If there are chairs or pews, stay in your spot for the entirety of the service. Adults with small children may need to find child care for this reason.

If you are not part of military personnel, you should avoid saluting, especially since you must only do it at specific moments. Instead, place your hand over your heart when the honor guard salutes. If you have a hat on, take it off and hold it over your heart.

If you have additional questions about funeral services for veterans, contact TP White & Sons Funeral Home of Cincinnati, OH. They have been serving families for over five generations, planning memorials, burials, and cremations. When you work with their compassionate funeral director, you’ll get answers to all your questions and help with making tough decisions. Learn more about their services by visiting the website, or call (513) 231-7150 today with any questions.