Military Funeral Honors
Every veteran who served honorably is entitled to a dignified farewell — a folded flag, the sound of Taps, and a two-person honor guard. These honors are free. They must be requested.
What Every Veteran Receives
Under the Veterans' Benefits Improvement Act, all honorably discharged veterans are entitled to a minimum honors ceremony.
Folded Flag
The American flag that drapes the casket is ceremonially folded into a precise triangle of 13 folds — each with symbolic meaning — and presented to the next of kin with the words: "On behalf of a grateful nation."
Taps
The 24-note bugle call has been played at military funerals since the Civil War. Every veteran is entitled to Taps — performed live by a bugler when available, or by a high-quality recording with a ceremonial bugle.
Honor Guard
A minimum two-person uniformed military honor guard attends the funeral, performs the flag ceremony, and presents it to the family. Additional honors — rifle salute, caisson, chaplain — vary by branch and availability.
How to Request Military Honors
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Notify the funeral director
When making funeral arrangements, inform the funeral director that the deceased is a veteran and that you wish to request military funeral honors. The funeral director coordinates this on your behalf in most cases.
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Provide the DD-214
The DD-214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) is required to confirm eligibility. Have it ready — this is why storing it safely matters. Learn how to obtain a replacement.
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Contact the veteran's branch directly
You can also request honors directly from the appropriate military branch casualty office. The Department of Defense maintains a Military Funeral Honors request line at 1-877-MIL-HONR (1-877-645-4667).
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Additional honors for national cemeteries
Veterans buried in national cemeteries automatically receive the full honor ceremony through the National Cemetery Administration. No additional request is needed beyond scheduling the burial.
The Meaning of the 13 Flag Folds
Each of the 13 folds in the flag ceremony carries symbolic meaning — from the symbol of life, to the honor of those who gave their lives defending the country, to a tribute to mothers and fathers who shaped American character. The completed triangle represents the hat worn by soldiers of the Revolutionary War.
Full Honors Guide by Branch →