Government Veteran Benefit
Military Funeral Honors
Eligible veterans may receive military funeral honors as a government-administered recognition of their service. These honors are provided through the Department of Defense and the appropriate military service branch — they are separate from Taps2's private veteran cremation program. Eligibility and approval are determined solely by government authorities.
What Military Funeral Honors May Include
The basic military funeral honors ceremony may include the folding and presentation of the United States burial flag to the next of kin, and the playing of Taps. When a live bugler is available, Taps may be performed in person; when one is not available, an approved ceremonial recording played by a uniformed service member may be used instead.
The specific elements of any ceremony depend on the branch of service, available personnel, and the decisions of the appropriate military authority. Taps2 does not guarantee a live bugler, a firing party, a color guard, a particular number of service members, or any expanded ceremony.
Who May Be Eligible
Based on current Department of Defense guidance, veterans who were discharged under conditions other than dishonorable may be eligible for military funeral honors. Active duty service members and members of the National Guard or Reserve who die while serving on active duty or training duty may also be eligible. Eligibility criteria are subject to change and may vary by branch of service.
Eligibility for military funeral honors is determined by the Department of Defense and the appropriate military service branch. Taps2 does not determine government eligibility.
Eligibility for government military funeral honors is separate from and independent of eligibility for Taps2's private veteran cremation program. A family's statement that the deceased was a veteran does not by itself establish eligibility for government honors.
Documentation Families May Need
Families are commonly asked to provide documentation establishing qualifying military service. A DD-214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) is the document most frequently used for this purpose. Other discharge or service documentation may also be acceptable depending on the branch of service and the circumstances.
The licensed funeral professional or the appropriate government authority can help identify what documentation is acceptable. Families should not send sensitive military records through ordinary email or unsecured channels.
How Military Funeral Honors Are Requested
A funeral director commonly helps the family coordinate the request for military funeral honors with the appropriate military service branch. When circumstances allow, providing sufficient advance notice is helpful in facilitating the process.
Taps2 does not guarantee approval, scheduling, the availability of specific personnel, or any particular ceremony details. Those determinations rest with the appropriate military authority.
How a Funeral Professional Can Help
The appropriate licensed funeral establishment may assist families with:
- Identifying the necessary documentation
- Contacting the appropriate military service branch
- Coordinating the timing and location of the honors
- Obtaining a burial flag when applicable
- Coordinating honors with cremation, memorial, cemetery, or committal arrangements
Provider relationship:
- Savage-DeMarco Funeral Service provides regulated funeral services for participating New York families.
- Savage Funeral Service provides regulated funeral services for participating Pennsylvania families.
- Taps2 and VetPrePlan.com are not government agencies.
- Taps2 and VetPrePlan.com do not determine government eligibility.
Military Honors and Cremation
Choosing cremation does not automatically prevent an eligible veteran from receiving military funeral honors. Honors may be coordinated with an appropriate funeral, memorial, graveside, cemetery, or committal service, depending on the family's arrangements and the availability and approval of the appropriate military authority.
The specific ceremony and location are not guaranteed. Families should discuss their preferences with the licensed funeral professional at the time of arrangement.
Authoritative Government Resources
For authoritative eligibility determinations, benefit applications, and official program information, consult these official government sources directly:
Important Distinction
Military funeral honors are government-administered honors provided through the Department of Defense and the appropriate military service branch. They are separate from Taps2's private veteran cremation program. Taps2 can help participating families understand the process, but it does not administer military funeral honors or determine government eligibility.
Related Veteran Benefits Resources
Information reviewed:
Questions About Veteran Benefits?
Taps2's licensed funeral professionals can help your family understand the process and coordinate arrangements with dignity.