Military Funeral Honors: Color Guard, Rifle Salute, and Flag Folding Explained

I have stood at the edge of more than a few funeral services over the years. The ones involving military honors are different. There is a precision and a weight to them that I have never seen replicated anywhere else. If you are planning a service for a veteran, here is everything you need to know.

What Are Military Funeral Honors?

Military funeral honors are a ceremony provided by the Department of Defense to honor veterans at their burial. By law, any veteran with an honorable or general discharge is entitled to a minimum ceremony at no cost to the family.

The Minimum Standard

Federal law requires that every eligible veteran receive at minimum two uniformed military members and the folding and presentation of an American flag to the next of kin. One of the two members must be from the veteran's own branch of service. A recorded version of Taps may be used if a live bugler is not available.

Full Military Honors

Full military honors include a color guard carrying the national and branch flags, pallbearers in dress uniform, a rifle salute (three volleys fired by a firing party), a live bugler playing Taps, and an officer to present the flag. Full honors are most commonly provided for officers and senior NCOs, but families of any eligible veteran can request them.

The Flag Folding and Presentation

The flag is folded 13 times into a tight triangle, with only the blue field and stars visible. It is then presented to the next of kin: "On behalf of the President of the United States, the United States [branch of service], and a grateful nation, please accept this flag as a symbol of our appreciation for your loved one's honorable and faithful service."

How to Request Military Funeral Honors

Contact your funeral home director as soon as possible and let them know military honors are requested. The funeral home is responsible for submitting the request to the appropriate military branch. You will need the veteran's DD-214 to confirm eligibility. Requests should be submitted at least 48 hours in advance when possible.

Honor Guard Organizations

Many veterans service organizations -- the VFW, American Legion, and others -- maintain their own honor guard units that supplement official military honors. Ask your local VFW or American Legion post if they have an honor guard available.

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