Who Qualifies for a Military Funeral?
A military funeral honors the sacrifice of a veteran or a current member of the Armed Forces who has passed away. The U.S. military provides several benefits and services to deceased veterans and their families, including a formal funeral with full military honors. To qualify for a military funeral, individuals must meet certain criteria.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for a military funeral, the deceased individual must be:
- A current or former member of the U.S. Armed Forces, including active duty, reserve, or National Guard members
- A Medal of Honor recipient, as designated by Congress
- A Gold Star Mother or Family Member, who lost a child in combat
Types of Military Funerals
The U.S. military offers several types of funerals, each with its own level of honors and services. These include:
- National Funeral Honors: a 21-gun salute, the playing of "Taps," and the presentation of the flag to the next of kin
- State Funeral Honors: a funeral procession with a casket team, a firing squad, and a chaplain
- Military Funeral Honors: a simplified version of the National Funeral Honors, which may include a bugler and a color guard
Who Is Eligible for Military Funeral Honors
To receive military funeral honors, the deceased individual must have served in the military and been honorably discharged. Family members may also be eligible for honors if the deceased was killed in action or died as a result of wounds sustained in combat.
Table: Eligible Service Members for Military Funeral Honors
| Service | Eligibility Requirements |
|---|---|
| Army | Honorable discharge or burial in a national cemetery |
| Navy | Honorable discharge or burial in a national cemetery |
| Air Force | Honorable discharge or burial in a national cemetery |
| Marine Corps | Honorable discharge or burial in a national cemetery |
| Coast Guard | Honorable discharge or burial in a national cemetery |
| Reserves and National Guard | Honorable discharge or burial in a national cemetery |
Who Can Apply for Military Funeral Honors
The next of kin of the deceased individual, which includes:
- Surviving spouse
- Parent
- Sister or brother
- Son or daughter
Application Process
To apply for military funeral honors, family members must complete an application, which is usually provided by the funeral home or cemetery. The application will ask for the following information:
- Deceased’s military service record
- Circumstances of death
- Next of kin’s contact information
Benefits for Surviving Families
In addition to military funeral honors, the U.S. military offers several benefits to surviving families, including:
- Burial in a national cemetery with a grave marker
- Monetary benefits, such as the Survivor Benefit Plan and the Dependents’ Educational Assistance program
- Counseling services, including chaplain support and bereavement counseling
- Transportation, including military transportation to the funeral or burial
Conclusion
A military funeral is a fitting tribute to the sacrifices of our nation’s service members and veterans. To qualify for a military funeral, individuals must meet certain eligibility requirements, including military service and an honorable discharge. Family members can apply for military funeral honors through the funeral home or cemetery, and the U.S. military provides several benefits to surviving families, including burial in a national cemetery and monetary benefits. By understanding the qualifications and benefits associated with military funerals, families can ensure that their loved one receives the honors and recognition they deserve.
