As of January 1, 2000 all eligible veterans, to include military retirees, are entitled to military funeral honors. At a minimum the funeral honors ceremony will consist of the folding and presentation of the American flag and the playing of Taps. At least two uniformed military personnel, in addition to a bugler, if available, shall perform the ceremony. If a bugler is not available, a high quality CD will be used. One of the uniformed military personnel will be from the deceased veteran's parent military service and will present the flag to the next of kin.
The Military Services may provide additional elements of honors and may use additional uniformed military personnel or other authorized providers, such as members of a veterans organization, to augment the Funeral Honors Detail.
The next of kin or appropriate individual must request the funeral honors, they are not provided automatically. Departmene of Defense (DoD) polich calls for the funeral directos, rather than the next of kin, to contact the military. This toll free number 1-877-MIL-HONR (645-4667) has been set up for funeral directors to coordinate the ceremonies.
The Dod has established a website which explains the funeral honors process. Another web site that may be useful is www.vetrecs.archives.gov.
Please check with your Funeral Home
Director for Military Services