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Military Funeral Honors Frequently Asked Questions
Information
on Military Honors, Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits,
and answers to frequently asked questions are at the Military
Funeral Honors web site:http://www.militaryfuneralhonors.osd.mil/.
The web site contains up-to-date information and direct links
to other related web sites.
1.
What is Military Funeral Honors?
The
basic Military Funeral Honors ceremony consists of the folding
and presentation of the United States flag to the veteran's
family and the playing of Taps. The ceremony is performed by
a funeral honors detail consisting of at least two members of
the Armed Forces. At least one of the funeral honors detail
will be from the Armed Force in which the deceased veteran served.
Taps may be played by a bugler or, if a bugler is not available,
by using a quality recorded version. This basic ceremony will
be provided to every eligible veteran, when requested. Depending
upon the culture and traditions of the Military Service, additional
personnel or other elements of funeral honors may be added.
In
addition, local Veterans Service Organizations (VSO), who have
historically performed Military Funeral Honors, and other authorized
organization may complement the Military Funeral Honors detail.
For example, the VSOs might augment the ceremony by providing
a firing party. This voluntary assistance would be in addition
to the services provided by the Military Funeral Honors detail.
If there is a VSO or authorized organization in the area that
might have an interest in assisting in the Military Funeral
Honors ceremony, and if desired by the family, the funeral director
should notify the Military Service point of contact.
2.
How do I establish veteran eligibility?
The
preferred method is the DD Form 214, Certificate of Release
or Discharge from Active Duty. If the DD Form 214 is not available,
any discharge document showing other than dishonorable service
can be used. The DD 214 may be obtained by filling out a Standard
Form 180 and sending it to:
National
personnel Records Center (NPRC)
9700 Page Blvd.
St. Louis, MO 63132
The
standard Form 180 may be obtained from the National Records
Center or via the Internet at:
http://www.nara.gov/publications/pubindex.html
3.
Who is eligible for a burial flag
The
VA establishes eligibility. Your funeral director will assist
you in obtaining a flag. More information is available at: http://www.cem.va.gov/bflags.htm
4.
What is a Presidential Memorial Certificate? Who is eligible
to receive this certificate? How does the family obtain this
certificate?
This
is a parchment certificate with a calligraphic inscription expressing
the nation s grateful recognition of an honorably discharged,
deceased veteran's service in the Armed Forces. The veteran's
name is inscribed and the certificate bears the signature of
the President.
All
veterans are eligible to receive this certificate. The family
may request a Presidential Memorial Certificate either in person
at any VA regional office or by U.S. mail. Requests cannot be
sent via email. There is no form to fill out when requesting
this certificate. If requesting by mail, a return address and
a copy of the veterans's discharge documents must be enclosed.
Send requests to:
U.S.
Department of Veterans Affairs
National Cemetery Administration (403A)
810 Vermont Ave., NW
Washington, DC 20420
More information is available at:
http://www.cem.va.gov/
5.
How do I request a grave marker?
Your
funeral director will assist you or if you have questions about
grave markers, family members can write to the VA at:
Memorial
Programs Service (403)
Department of Veterans Affairs
810 Vermont Ave., NW
Washington, DC 20420
More information is available at:
http://www.cem.va.gov/hm.htm
6.
To whom can I write to express comments or concerns about the
Military Funeral Honors program?
You
may write to:
Military Funeral Honors
9504 IH 35 North, Suite 320
San Antonio, TX 78233-663
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