Skip to main content

Military funeral honors

Learn how the military can honor a veteran at their funeral, and find out how to get a military grave marker.

Military funeral honors

Funeral honors include the playing of "Taps," the presentation of a U.S. flag, and a detail of uniformed military personnel.

These honors are provided for free for veterans and active-duty members.

See if you or your loved one is eligible for military funeral honors.

Request funeral honors

The funeral director who handles the veteran's service will request the honors.

You will need to provide the veteran's discharge papers to verify eligibility. If you need a copy, submit an emergency request for military records to the National Archives.

Military funeral memorials

Veterans and reservists are eligible for other memorial items. Learn how to apply for memorials, including:

  • Headstones, markers, and medallions
  • Burial flag
  • Presidential memorial certificate

These memorials are available for veterans buried in private cemeteries. Spouses or dependent children buried at national or veterans cemeteries may also be eligible for headstones or markers.

LAST UPDATED: December 6, 2023

SHARE THIS PAGE:

Have a question?

Ask a real person any government-related question for free. They will get you the answer or let you know where to find it.

Top