Military funerals honor the brave citizens who sacrificed so much for the country. To properly memorialize military members, family members should take certain steps when planning the funeral and designing the headstone. This guide explains how you can put together a fitting sendoff for your loved one. 

How to Plan a Military Funeral for Your Loved One

1. List Military Accomplishments in the Obituary

An obituary celebrates the life of the person you lost. When a person is a member of the Armed Forces, listing military achievements in the obituary, such as advances in rank, highlights what they were most proud of. You can also add a picture of your loved one in their uniform. Remember to include the time and date of the service so friends and family will know to attend. 

2. Include Military Honors During the Service

All military members who were honorably discharged are eligible for funeral honors. Military funerals feature a rendition of Taps played on a bugle. The casket will also be draped in an American flag, which will be folded by military personnel and presented to the deceased’s next of kin. Military honors offer a great deal of comfort to family members who are proud of what their loved one accomplished in the Armed Forces. 

3. Adorn the Headstone With a Special Medallion

The Department of Veterans Affairs provides bronze medallions to affix to the headstones of military veterans buried in private cemeteries. Medallions are available in small, medium, and large and designate a person’s veteran status and military branch. Families can request a medallion by submitting VA Form 40-1330M. All deceased military members are eligible, provided they were not dishonorably discharged. 

If you need help designing an appropriate headstone for a loved one who was a military member, rely on Hawaii Art Stone in Honolulu. They offer a wide range of grave markers, including classic, flat, pillow top, and 3D statues, which can be engraved with personal touches to commemorate the life of your loved one. Learn more about their products by visiting the website. You can also call (808) 744-3162 to get started.