The rendering of military funeral honors is a way to show the nation’s deep gratitude to those who, in times of war and peace, have faithfully defended the country. This ceremonial paying of respect is the final demonstration a grateful nation can provide to its veterans’ families.
The tradition of providing military funeral honors, in some form, began in ancient Greece and Rome. The funeral honors protocol of today traces its roots to these ancient ceremonies as well as to historical American experience.
U.S. law now mandates the rendering of military funeral honors for an eligible veteran if requested by the family, provided at no cost by the Department of Defense. Your local Guida Funeral Home provider can help families request military funeral honors. The request form is included in the Veterans Planning Guide offered by Guida Funeral Home, cremation and cemetery providers.
As provided by law, an honor guard detail for the burial of an eligible veteran shall consist of not less than two members of the Armed Forces. One member of the detail shall be a representative of the parent branch of service of the deceased veteran. The honor detail will, at a minimum, perform a ceremony that includes the folding and presentation of the American flag to the next of kin and the playing of taps. Taps will be played by a bugler, if available, or by electronic recording.
Please note that today there are so few buglers available that the military often cannot provide one. Should there be a need, any Guida Funeral Home Memorial provider can provide an official recording of taps or assist in locating area musicians.
Who is eligible?
- Military members on active duty
- Military retirees
- Members and former members of the Selected Reserve
- Eligible U.S. veterans of any war
- Other U.S. veterans who served at least one term of enlistment and separated under conditions other than dishonorable
Who is not eligible?
- Individuals discharged from the Armed Forces under dishonorable conditions
- Individuals sentenced to death or life imprisonment without parole for a federal or state capital offense
- Other explicit circumstances
How Your Funeral Director Can Serve You
When a death occurs, your primary responsibility is to yourself and the ones you love. There are a number of things that require attention simultaneously. Regardless of the day or hour, Guida Funeral Home is always prepared to respond to your needs quickly and competently. The funeral director’s main function is to assist you with the necessary details of the funeral process. Among the services funeral directors provide are:
- Arranging funeral plans
- Securing necessary permits and death certificates
- Care and custody of the body
- Coordinating all details with the clergy
- Arranging the music you have selected
- Placing obituary and funeral notices in newspapers
- Assisting in arranging for burial or cremation
- Assisting in arrangements for cemetery space, grave opening and closing, flowers and monuments
- Arranging transportation for you and the members of your family prior to, during, and after the funeral
- Supervision of the funeral or memorial service
- All necessary arrangements for transportation, funeral service, and burial if the deceased is to be sent to a distant location
For more information about our Professional Services, please email us at service@guidafuneralhome.com or call us at (718) 424-2000. We’re here to help.
