Military Honors Are Available For All Veterans
Discharged Under Anything Other Than A Dishonorable Discharge
Veteran Military Honors
Section 578 of Public Law 106-65 of the National Defense Authorization Act (passed January/2000 ) mandates that the United States Armed Forces shall provide the rendering of honors in a military funeral for any eligible veteran if requested by his or her family. As mandated by federal law, an honor guard detail for the burial of an eligible veteran shall consist of no fewer than two members of the Armed Forces.
One member of the detail shall be a representative of the parent armed service of the deceased veteran. The honor guard detail will, at a minimum, perform a ceremony that includes the folding and presenting of the flag of the United States to the next of kin and the playing of Taps which will be played by a lone bugler, if available, or by audio recording.
We have an appropriate area for this ceremony in most of our departure locations.
Check with our booking person to ensure an appropriate area is available if you would like military honors performed.
The Marines are the only branch of the military which supply a person who actually plays the bugle. all the other branches have a person with a bugle, but they are not actually playing the bugle – it is a recording that plays.
We do much prefer the live bugle player, so we try to use the organization “Bugles Across America“. They are a national 501C3 organization who provide live buglers free of charge to veteran families for the playing of taps at military honors services.
The Military Honors forms, for the appropriate branch of the service, are below. They should be completed and send to the appropriate address, so the military may make appropriate preparations. If you wish, we could make the arrangements for you.
Marines: Need to call – Camp Pendleton Funeral Coordinator : (703) 432-9524
FAQ – For Military Honors Being Arranged
Who qualifies for military funeral honors?
Qualified veterans include those personnel who have been discharged under conditions other than dishonorable, as well as active duty and Selected Reserve members. Requests for honors must come from the family or an authorized representative. We verify eligibility and arrange the detail on your behalf. We also generally arrange for a flag as well as a live bugle player.
What forms do we need to submit?
Key to the paperwork is the DD-214 file, for claiming aside from the veteran’s full name, branches served, next of kin, desired schedule, and port of choice. If you do not have the DD-214, it can be retrieved from the military here Request DD-214.
Is it possible to conduct the honors prior to ash scattering at the sea?
Absolutely. We often conduct the flag folding along with the Taps close to the dock and transition on water for ash scattering. It may also happen after the charter, but that is not common.
Will you be providing a live bugler?
We actively seek a live bugler and will make arrangements for your family. We do this by contacting Bugles Across America. Should a live bugler not be available at all, honor-guard members will perform Taps with a ceremonial bugle connected to an audio player. In any case, we strive to coordinate with live bugler services.
How much lead time is needed?
We could work with what we have. That said two to three weeks for the most favorable results. However, shorter windows (3-5 business days) can sometimes be accommodated; this is not the case near holidays, weekends, or during peak times. If you have a specific date, or prefer a certain time, reaching out to us much earlier will help make your preferred time more likely.
What does the honor guard include and how long does it take?
Honors take anywhere between 10-20 minutes. In most cases, they include the reading or other add-ons. In any case, the veteran is entitled to certain rights. Federal law states at least 2 members in uniform, one of whom must represent the veteran’s branch, are mandatory. As part of the ceremony, folding and presenting the flag to next of kin is done along with Taps.
Is there a cost for honors in the military?
When requested by the family, military honors funerals offered by the DoD come at no cost. Charges will, however, be incurred for charter services, flowers, music, photography, videography, and other enhancements. For your convenience, we will clearly explain all supplementary fees during the planning process and ensure all details are managed for a stress-free experience.
Flag Presentation – What Is the Symbolism
The flag is folded 13 times and each fold has a meaning which is described below. We assist many families all the time who have military honors – it is very special for the family. Your facilitator will be happy to take pictures with your camera of the honors ceremony.
It is usually performed before the ash scattering service on the yacht. We have a large grassy area near our departure point the serves as a perfect location for the flag folding. Arrangements can also arrange to have special music played live at the occasion. Perhaps a bagpipe playing Amazing Grace.
When the flag is presented to the family member, slightly different verbiage is used, depending on the branch of the service the veteran served in.
US Army
This flag is presented on behalf of a grateful nation and the United States Army as a token of appreciation for your loved one’s honorable and faithful service.
US Navy
On behalf of the President of the United States and the Chief of Naval Operations, please accept this flag as a symbol of our appreciation for your loved one’s service to this Country and a grateful Navy.
Marine Corp
On behalf of the President of the United States, the Commandant of the Marine Corps, and a grateful nation, please accept this flag as a symbol of our appreciation for your loved one’s service to Country and Corps.
Air Force
On behalf of the President of the United States, the Department of the Air Force, and a grateful nation, we offer this flag for the faithful and dedicated service of (service member’s rank and name).
Coast Guard
On behalf of the President of the United States, the Commandant of the Coast Guard, and a grateful nation, please accept this flag as a symbol of our appreciation for your loved one’s service to Country and the Coast Guard.
Flag Fold for Veterans Honors
Meaning of Each Flag Fold for Veterans Honors
Each fold of the American flag carries a traditional meaning often read during military funeral honors. These reflections acknowledge life, faith, family, and country.
Faith & Life (Folds 1–4)
Symbol of Life
The first fold of the flag is a symbol of life.
Belief in Eternal Life
The second fold is a symbol of the people’s belief in eternal life.
Tribute to Veterans
The third fold honors and remembers the Veteran departing ranks who gave a portion of life for the defense of the country to attain peace throughout the world.
Seeking Guidance
The fourth fold represents the people’s weaker nature; as American citizens trusting in God, it is to Him the people turn in times of peace as well as war for divine guidance.
Country & Family (Folds 5–10)
Tribute to Country
The fifth fold is a tribute to the country—“Our country; in dealing with other countries, may she always be right; but it is still our country, right or wrong.”
Hearts & Allegiance
The sixth fold is for where people’s hearts lie; with hearts they pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
Tribute to the Armed Forces
The seventh fold is a tribute to the Armed Forces, through whom the people protect the country and flag against all enemies, within or outside the Republic.
Remembrance & Mother
The eighth fold is a tribute to the one who entered the valley of the shadow of death, that people might see the light of day, and to honor one’s mother, for whom it flies on Mother’s Day.
Tribute to Womanhood
The ninth fold is a tribute to womanhood, for through their faith, love, loyalty, and devotion, the character of those who made the country great was molded.
Tribute to Father
The tenth fold is a tribute to father, who has given sons and daughters for the defense of the country since they were first born.
Faith & Eternity (Folds 11–13)
Hebrew Tradition
The eleventh fold, in the eyes of Hebrew citizens, represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon and glorifies the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
