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When a person passes away, holding a funeral honors their memory and provides friends and family the opportunity to grieve and find closure. If the deceased served in the military, family members have the option of recognizing their loved one’s service to the country with distinctive honors. Below is a brief guide to making arrangements for veterans.

Eligibility

For a veteran to receive military honors at their funeral, they must meet a minimum active-duty requirement of 24 consecutive months of service, unless they were honorably discharged. Spouses and unmarried children may also qualify for burial services if they pass certain criteria.

Eligibility can be verified via DD Form 214, also known as the Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty. Obtain this form by making a request with the National Archives.

Requesting Military Honors

funeralIf the requirements are met, families can request military honors through their funeral home director, who will reach out to a veterans’ organization such as the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) or American Legion to arrange services.

Families must provide the funeral director relevant information about the deceased, including their branch of service, service number, dates and locations of birth and death, and retirement date.

Reimbursement & Other Benefits

Veterans and active-duty service members may receive headstones or grave markers and inscriptions, as well as casket allowances and burial in a veterans’ cemetery. Some may be eligible for full military honors, which include the playing of Taps and the folding and presentation of the U.S. flag.

The VA provides burial allowances to those who qualify, and the flat rate pays for burial and funeral costs. The monetary allowance is paid to the surviving spouse, legal partner, or adult children once the department is alerted to the veteran’s passing. If their death was related to their military service, the family will typically receive more compensation than if it was not.

 

If you need help arranging a military funeral for a loved one, contact Mihovk-Rosenacker Funeral Home. With two convenient locations in Cincinnati, OH, they’ve been providing compassionate funeral planning services since 1906. They’ll help you with eligibility requirements and ensure all necessary paperwork is complete. Visit their website to learn more, and call (513) 385-0511 to speak with a helpful funeral director.

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