Veterans Overview
The basic Military Funeral Honors (MFH) ceremony includes 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 of at least two Armed Forces members. The type of Funeral Honors (Full Military Honors, 7 Person Detail, or Standard Honors Team Detail) depends on the veteran's status. At least one member of the detail will be from the deceased veteran's Armed Force branch. Taps can be played by a bugler or a quality recorded version. Military Funeral Honor Teams can act as Pall Bearers if requested.
Who is eligible for Military Funeral Honors?
- Active duty military members or those in the Selected Reserve.
- Former military members who served on active duty and departed under non-dishonorable conditions.
- Former military members who completed at least one term of enlistment or obligated service in the Selected Reserve and departed under non-dishonorable conditions.
- Former military members discharged from the Selected Reserve due to a service-incurred or aggravated disability.
Who is not eligible for Military Funeral Honors?
- Persons separated under dishonorable conditions or whose service character bars veteran's benefits.
- Persons ordered to an induction station but not actually inducted.
- Persons discharged from the Selected Reserve before completing one term of enlistment for reasons other than a service-incurred disability.
- Persons convicted of a Federal or State capital crime sentenced to death or life imprisonment.
How do I establish veteran eligibility?
Veteran eligibility is preferably established with DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty. If unavailable, any discharge document showing other than dishonorable service can be used. DD Form 214 can be obtained by filling out Standard Form 180 and sending it to the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) in St. Louis, MO. Standard Form 180 is available from the National Records Center or via http://www.archives.gov/research/order/standard-form-180.pdf.
Members of the Commissioned Officer Corps of the Public Health Service (PHS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) are also eligible for funeral honors. For NOAA personnel, eligibility is established using NOAA Form 56-16, Report of Transfer or Discharge. For PHS personnel, PHS Form 1867, Statement of Service, is used.
Veterans Headstones
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides a Government headstone or marker at no charge for the unmarked grave of any eligible deceased veteran in any cemetery worldwide, regardless of their death date. For eligible veterans who died on or after November 1, 1990, the VA may also provide a headstone or marker for graves already marked with a private headstone or marker. Applicants can choose between a traditional headstone/marker or a new device (available spring 2009) if the grave is already marked.
Available options include flat markers in granite, marble, and bronze, and upright headstones in granite and marble. The chosen style must be consistent with existing monuments at the burial site. Niche markers are also available for columbaria used for inurnment of cremated remains.
For burials or memorialization in a national cemetery, state veterans' cemetery, or military post/base cemetery, cemetery officials will order the headstone or marker based on inscription information provided by the next of kin or authorized representative. Spouses and dependents are not eligible for a Government-furnished headstone or marker unless they are buried in one of these types of cemeteries.
While there is no charge for the headstone or marker itself, arrangements for placing it in a private cemetery and all setting fees are the applicant's responsibility and at private expense.
Veterans Burial Flags
A United States flag is provided free of charge to drape the casket or accompany the urn of a deceased veteran who served honorably in the U.S. Armed Forces. This flag honors the veteran's military service. The VA will furnish a burial flag for memorialization for:
- Veterans who served during wartime.
- Veterans who died on active duty after May 27, 1941.
- Veterans who served after January 31, 1955.
- Peacetime veterans discharged or released before June 27, 1950.
- Certain persons who served in the organized military forces of the Commonwealth of the Philippines while in service of the U.S. Armed Forces and who died on or after April 25, 1951.
- Certain former members of the Selected Reserves.
Who Is Eligible to Receive the Burial Flag?
Generally, the flag is given to the next-of-kin as a keepsake after the funeral service. If there is no next-of-kin, the VA will provide the flag to a friend who requests it. Families of veterans buried in VA national cemeteries with an Avenue of Flags may donate the burial flags of their loved ones to be flown on patriotic holidays.
How Can You Apply?
You may apply for the flag by completing VA Form 27-2008, Application for United States Flag for Burial Purposes. The flag can be obtained at any VA regional office or U.S. Post Office, and funeral directors typically assist with this process.
Can a Burial Flag Be Replaced?
The law allows for the issuance of one flag per veteran's funeral; it cannot be replaced if lost, destroyed, or stolen. However, some veterans' organizations or other community groups may be able to help obtain another flag.
How Should the Burial Flag Be Displayed?
The proper display of the flag depends on whether the casket is open or closed, with VA Form 27-2008 providing correct display and folding methods. The burial flag is not suitable for outside display because of its size and cotton fabric, which can be easily damaged by weather. For more information, call Toll-Free at 1-800-827-1000.