Military Honors: Paying Tribute to Our Veterans

One of the most poignant and significant ways we honor our veterans in America is through military funeral honors. As the stewards of their final journey, we must uphold the dignity, respect, and integrity they deserve. Providing a proper military funeral – including the choice of cremation services in St Albans, WV, where necessary – is a symbol of national gratitude to those who have faithfully defended our country in times of war and peace.

The U.S. government is committed to giving all eligible veterans a military funeral honors ceremony, as per the ceremonial paying of respect and the final demonstration of the country’s gratitude to those who have defended its values. This applies to those who chose cremation, like those who opted for burial.

A veteran’s family can arrange military funeral honors through their funeral director. The funeral director works with the appropriate military branch in organizing the honors detail. Many funeral homes provide this service and are experienced in building military honors.

At the very least, military funeral honors include the playing of ‘Taps,’ a flag folding, and a flag presentation to the veteran’s family. This usually involves a two-person uniformed honor guard performing the ceremony. The ceremony for cremation services is essentially the same, regardless of whether the family chooses to have a traditional funeral first.

When it comes to cremation, many families wonder what happens to the ceremonial flag. Traditionally, it is presented to the veteran’s next of kin after being tightly folded. The flag symbolizes a grateful nation’s respect for a veteran’s service. If the loved one is cremated, the flag still plays a prominent role in the service. It can be prominently displayed during the service and presented to the family afterward.

Veterans’ cremated remains, like those for burials, also have the option for interment in national, state veteran, or private cemeteries. If the family chooses a spreading or a placement in a particular location, that does not preclude the veteran from receiving military funeral honors.

In addition, many funerary establishments offering cremation services can organize additional aspects like rifle volleys, color guards, pallbearers, and sometimes even a military flyover. Notably, more specific honors could be offered for retired military members and those who died on active duty.

Choosing cremation services provides the same level of honor and respect to our veterans. While there may be slight differences in the procedure, the gravity of recognizing and paying tribute to the veteran’s service remains the same.

In conclusion, military honors pay tribute to those who have served our country and affirm our nation’s enduring gratitude for their service. Regardless of the chosen method of interment, these honors represent the culmination of a veteran’s service and are a comforting, meaningful memory for those left behind. Through respectful and compassionate cremation services in St Albans, WV, we are provided the space to say our final goodbyes and offer commendations for those who have given so much to our nation. To learn more contact us at Barlow Bonsall Funeral Home & Crematorium