Planning a funeral for a Veteran is more than saying goodbye to a loved one; it’s about honoring a life that was dedicated to sacrifice and service. Veterans have a special place in society because of their selfless service to their country, and this significance is demonstrated in how their funerals are conducted.

For families, this can be both a source of pride and a distinctive responsibility. Veteran funerals are different from civilian funerals in multiple ways, including eligibility for military honors, government-provided benefits, and specific traditions that pay tribute to their service.

This guide will walk you through the process of planning a Veteran’s funeral, highlighting what makes these services unique, and providing tips on how to create a meaningful and respectful farewell. 

We’ll also explore common do’s and don’ts to ensure that your planning process runs smoothly and honors the Veteran’s memory appropriately.

Why Funeral Planning for Veterans is Unique

Veteran funerals feature different traditions because of military honors, specific government benefits, and a range of personalized touches that pay tribute to the deceased’s service. 

Here are several factors that are key to planning a Veterans funeral:

1. Military Honors

One of the most defining aspects of a Veteran’s funeral is the inclusion of military honors. Military honors are a ceremonial way to pay respect to Veterans for their service and can include flag presentations, the playing of “Taps,” and sometimes a rifle volley, or color guard.

The honors can vary depending on the Veteran’s rank, the length of service, and the branch of the military they served in, but all eligible Veterans have the right to these ceremonies, which are conducted by the appropriate branch of the armed forces.

2. Government Benefits

Veterans and their families are often eligible for various benefits provided by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to help ease the financial burden of funeral expenses. 

Government benefits may include:

• Burial allowances
• Government-issued headstone or grave marker
• Burial in a national cemetery
• Financial assistance with funeral costs. 

Knowing what benefits are available and how to apply for them is a crucial step in the planning process.

> > Learn more about the government benefits available to Veterans in the United States. 

3. Burial in a National Cemetery

One of the most distinctive aspects of Veteran funerals is the option for burial in a national cemetery, such as Arlington National Cemetery, or in a VA-designated state cemetery. Burial in these hallowed grounds is not only free of charge for eligible Veterans, but also offers a powerful sense of history and honor, as Veterans are laid to rest with their fellow servicemen and women. Many Veterans’ families choose this option as a final resting place because of the deep respect and significance these cemeteries hold.

4. Flag Draping & Presentation

Another unique component of a Veteran’s funeral is the tradition of draping the U.S. flag over the casket or cremation urn. The flag is a symbol of the country they served, and it is presented to the next of kin as a lasting token of honor and gratitude. This ceremony is a moving and symbolic gesture, one that reflects the ultimate sacrifice of serving the country.

For many Veterans, the VA will provide a burial flag free of charge for deceased Veterans who served honorably in the U.S. Armed Forces. 

Steps to Planning a Veteran’s Funeral

Planning a funeral for a Veteran involves several steps, and it’s important to start the process as early as possible to ensure everything is properly arranged. Below is a comprehensive guide to help you through the process.

1. Confirm Veteran Status and Eligibility

The first step is to confirm that the deceased was a Veteran and is eligible for military honors and benefits. You will need documentation to prove their military service, usually in the form of a DD214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty). If the DD214 is not readily available, you can request a copy from the National Archives’ Veterans Service Records office.

Once eligibility is confirmed, you can start looking into specific benefits, such as military honors, burial in a national cemetery, and VA burial allowances. Each benefit may have different eligibility criteria based on the Veteran’s service, discharge status, and other factors.

2. Decide on the Type of Service

Veteran funerals can be customized to fit the family’s and the deceased’s preferences. Some families may prefer a traditional religious service, while others may opt for a military ceremony. The funeral can take place at a funeral home, a church, or graveside at a cemetery. 

You’ll need to decide on the following regarding the service:

• Location: Will the service be held at a funeral home, national cemetery, or another location?
• Type of ceremony: Will it be religious, non-religious, or purely military?
• Military honors: Determine what level of military honors the Veteran qualifies for and how these will be incorporated into the service.

3. Coordinate Military Honors

Military honors are a hallmark of Veteran funerals, but they require coordination. Contact your local military funeral honors coordinator through the VA or the specific branch of the military in which your loved one served. The honors can include:

• Flag presentation: A uniformed service member presents a folded U.S. flag to the next of kin.
• Playing of “Taps”: A bugler or recorded version of this poignant military tune is played.
• Rifle volley (optional): A rifle team may fire a three-volley salute, depending on the Veteran’s service and rank.

These honors are typically requested through the funeral director, who will work with the military to ensure that the proper protocols are followed.

4. Explore Burial Options

Veterans have several burial options, including interment in a national cemetery or a private cemetery. Here’s a look at both:

• • National Cemetery: Veterans, their spouses, and dependent children may be eligible for burial in a VA national cemetery at no cost. This includes the gravesite, perpetual care, and a government-issued grave marker. You’ll need to reserve the space and schedule the service, which is typically arranged through the VA.
  • Private Cemetery: If the family chooses a private cemetery, the Veteran is still eligible for a government-issued headstone or marker. However, it’s important to note that any associated burial costs at a private cemetery are not covered by the VA.

• Alternative Burial: The Veteran is also eligible for legal, alternative burial methods including green burial and Terramation, cremation, and burial at sea. They also provide benefits for donating a veteran’s remains to a medical school.    

5. Apply for VA Burial Benefits

Veterans’ families may be eligible for financial assistance to help with funeral expenses, including burial and plot allowances. To apply for these benefits, you’ll need to submit a claim through the VA, which requires documentation such as the DD214, the Veteran’s death certificate, and receipts for funeral and burial expenses. The amount provided depends on whether the death was service-related or non-service-related.

> > Find out how to get Veterans burial allowances. 

Do’s and Don’ts of Planning a Veteran’s Funeral

While planning a Veteran’s funeral comes with specific traditions and considerations, there are also important do’s and don’ts to keep in mind to ensure the service is respectful and organized.

Do’s

1. Do Respect Military Traditions Ensure that military traditions, such as the flag presentation and “Taps,” are conducted with the utmost respect. These honors are deeply meaningful to both the Veteran’s family and the broader Veteran community, so it’s essential to follow the proper protocols.
2. Do Take Advantage of VA Benefits Don’t overlook the benefits available to you through the VA. From burial allowances to free interment in a national cemetery, these benefits can alleviate financial strain and provide a respectful and honorable farewell.
3. Do Communicate with the Funeral Director A funeral director experienced in military funerals can be an invaluable resource. They can help you coordinate military honors, handle documentation for VA benefits, and ensure that everything runs smoothly on the day of the funeral.
4. Do Personalize the Funeral While military traditions are central to a Veteran’s funeral, you can still personalize the service to reflect the unique personality and life of your loved one. This might include special music, readings, or displaying military memorabilia from their service.

Don’ts

1. Don’t Delay Applying for Benefits It’s important to start the application process for VA benefits as soon as possible. Some benefits, such as burial allowances, have time limits for submission, and getting the necessary documentation can take time.
2. Don’t Forget to Confirm Eligibility Before assuming that the deceased is eligible for military honors or benefits, confirm their Veteran status. This will save you time and ensure that everything is in place for the funeral arrangements.
3. Don’t Overlook the Importance of Support Planning a funeral can be emotionally and physically draining. Lean on your support system, whether it’s other family members, friends, or a funeral director, to help manage the process. Grieving is difficult enough without the added pressure of planning everything alone.
4. Don’t Rush Through the Process Take your time when planning a Veteran’s funeral to ensure that every detail is properly arranged. Rushing can lead to missed opportunities, such as neglecting to incorporate a meaningful aspect of the Veteran’s life or service into the ceremony.

Planning a funeral for a Veteran is a way to honor their service, reflect on their life, and ensure that their legacy is remembered with dignity. By understanding the special aspects of Veteran funerals, taking advantage of available benefits, and following the proper protocols for military honors, you can create a fitting tribute that acknowledges their sacrifices. 

With careful planning, compassion, and respect, you can provide a meaningful farewell that truly honors the Veteran’s memory and service to their country.