What is Military Funeral Honors?
Military Funeral Honors have always been provided whenever possible. However, the law now mandates the rendering of Military Funeral Honors for an eligible veteran if requested by the family. As provided by law, an honor guard detail for the burial of an eligible veteran shall consist of not less than two members of the Armed Forces. One member of the detail shall be a representative of the parent Service of the deceased veteran. The honor detail will, at a minimum, perform a ceremony that includes the folding and presenting of the American flag to the next of kin and the playing of Taps. Taps will be played by a bugler, if available, or by electronic recording. Today, there are so few buglers available that the Military Services often cannot provide one.

How much does a Military Funeral Honors detail cost?
Military Funeral Honors are provided by the Department of Defense at no cost to the family.

How does a family request funeral honors?
Families of eligible veterans request funeral honors through their funeral director. The funeral director will contact the appropriate Military Service to arrange for the funeral honors detail.

What can the family of an eligible veteran expect?
The core elements of the funeral honors ceremony, which will be conducted on request, include:...
- Flag folding
- Flag presentation
- Playing of Taps

The veteran’s parent Service representative will present the flag.

Who is eligible for a burial flag?
The Veterans Administration establishes eligibility. Your funeral director will assist you in obtaining a flag. More information is available at: www.cem.va.gov/bflags.htm.

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 calligrahpic 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.

Next of kin, other relatives and friends may request the certificates in person at any VA regional office or by mail. For information about requesting a
Presidential Memorial Certificate and additional information please visit www.cem.va.gov/pmc.htm

How do I request a grave headstone or 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 (41A1)
            Department of Veterans Affairs
            5109 Russell Road
            Quantico, VA 22134-3903
More information available at : http://www.cem.va.gov/hm.htm

How much notice should be provided for the honors request?
The Services requests at least 48 hours in order to organize the funeral honors detail.

To whom can I write to express comments or concerns about the Military Funeral Honors program?
You may write to:
            Military Funeral Honors
            10100 Reunion Place, Suite 260
            San Antonio TX 78216-4138