Who Gets Full Military Honors Funeral?
When a military service member passes away, their family and loved ones are often left with many questions about the funeral and burial process. One of the most significant questions is whether the service member will receive full military honors funeral. In this article, we will explore who is eligible for full military honors funeral and what this means for the families of those who have served.
Eligibility for Full Military Honors Funeral
Full military honors funeral is a prestigious and solemn ceremony that is reserved for those who have served in the military and meet specific eligibility criteria. According to the Department of Defense (DoD), the following individuals are eligible for full military honors funeral:
- Active Duty and Reserve Service Members: Service members who are currently serving on active duty or in the reserve components are eligible for full military honors funeral.
- Retired Service Members: Retired service members who have served at least 20 years of active duty or reserve service are eligible for full military honors funeral.
- Veterans: Veterans who have served at least 20 years of active duty or reserve service and have been honorably discharged are eligible for full military honors funeral.
- Gold Star Families: The families of service members who have died while on active duty or in the line of duty are eligible for full military honors funeral.
What is Full Military Honors Funeral?
Full military honors funeral is a ceremonial funeral that is conducted by the military and includes the following elements:
- 21-Gun Salute: A 21-gun salute is fired by a ceremonial firing party to honor the deceased service member.
- Color Guard: A color guard, consisting of service members, presents the American flag and the service member’s branch of service flag.
- Bugler: A bugler plays "Taps" to signal the end of the funeral service.
- Casket Team: A casket team, consisting of service members, carries the casket to the grave site.
- Honor Guard: An honor guard, consisting of service members, stands watch during the funeral service and presents the flags to the next of kin.
Table: Full Military Honors Funeral Elements
| Element | Description |
|---|---|
| 21-Gun Salute | A 21-gun salute is fired by a ceremonial firing party to honor the deceased service member. |
| Color Guard | A color guard, consisting of service members, presents the American flag and the service member’s branch of service flag. |
| Bugler | A bugler plays "Taps" to signal the end of the funeral service. |
| Casket Team | A casket team, consisting of service members, carries the casket to the grave site. |
| Honor Guard | An honor guard, consisting of service members, stands watch during the funeral service and presents the flags to the next of kin. |
How to Request Full Military Honors Funeral
Families of service members who have passed away can request full military honors funeral by contacting the Veterans Affairs (VA) or the National Cemetery Administration (NCA). The following steps can be taken:
- Contact the VA: Families can contact the VA’s National Cemetery Scheduling Office at (800) 535-1117 to request full military honors funeral.
- Contact the NCA: Families can contact the NCA’s National Cemetery Administration at (800) 535-1117 to request full military honors funeral.
- Provide Documentation: Families must provide documentation, such as the service member’s DD Form 214 (discharge paperwork) and proof of eligibility, to support their request for full military honors funeral.
- Coordinate with the Funeral Home: Families should coordinate with the funeral home to ensure that the funeral service is conducted in accordance with military protocol.
Conclusion
Full military honors funeral is a prestigious and solemn ceremony that is reserved for those who have served in the military and meet specific eligibility criteria. Families of service members who have passed away can request full military honors funeral by contacting the VA or the NCA and providing documentation to support their request. The full military honors funeral ceremony includes elements such as a 21-gun salute, color guard, bugler, casket team, and honor guard. By understanding the eligibility criteria and the process for requesting full military honors funeral, families can ensure that their loved one receives the respect and honors they deserve.
