Who is entitled to military honors

Many families still do not know that since Jan. On that date, Military Funeral Honors became a statutory benefit to all veterans with the signing of the National Defense Authorization Act.

The law requires that, upon the family's request, every eligible veteran is entitled to receive a military funeral honors ceremony to include folding, presentation of the United States burial flag and the sounding of taps, at no cost to the family. In addition, as opposed to a CD used to play taps, a not-for-profit organization Bugles Across America will even provide a uniformed bugler to play a live rendition of taps in recognition of the service these Veterans have provided to their country. The complete statutory benefit can be found in United States Code.

Military funeral honors provided at Arlington National Cemetery differ from those provided at other national cemeteries. There are three types of burial honors rendered at Arlington: military funeral honors, military funeral honors with funeral escort, and dependent honors. The elements of military funeral honors include:.

Those military members who attained the grade of E-9, CW-4 and CW-5, and O-4 and above, or service members regardless of rank who receive the Medal of Honor, who were prisoners of war POWs or who were killed in action, may receive military funeral honors with funeral escort.

The elements of military funeral honors with funeral escort include:. Those eligible for a funeral escort at Arlington National Cemetery may request the caisson, if available.

See how to schedule a burial at Arlington National Cemetery. Requirements for burial in a state veterans cemetery are like those for VA cemeteries.

They may also have residency requirements. See a list of state and territory veterans cemeteries. Get information on military life insurance. Learn how your family can get survivor benefits, sometimes called death benefits.

You may qualify for death benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs VA if you are the survivor of a:. Louis, MO If the family does not have a copy of the Statement of Service, it may be obtained by contacting the Privacy Coordinator for the Commissioned Corps at or writing:. Push button for menu Push button for menu. Previous Next. Who is eligible for Military Funeral Honors? Military members on active duty or in the Selected Reserve.