A veteran funeral or military memorial service is a very formal ceremony with the goal of honoring and saluting a veteran who served the United States in the U.S. Armed Forces. The ceremony typically occurs at the gravesite, burial site, or internment site after the funeral service. During the ceremony, representatives of the veteran's branch of service will honor your loved one by performing these traditional duties:

• Flag Folding Ceremony — The flag folding ceremony is conducted by members of the Honor Guard, which includes at least two members of the U.S. Armed Forces, with at least one of them being a representative from the veteran's branch of service. The ceremonial flag folding symbolizes the veteran's dedication and sacrifice. The Honor Guard then presents the folded flag to the veteran's next of kin with a short speech that expresses gratitude for the veteran's service.
• Taps – Taps is a bugle call that is a final salute to the veteran.
• Rifle Salute – The rifle salute includes three volleys fired into the air.

Benefits of Honoring Veterans In a Formal Veterans Funeral

We are proud to have the opportunity to honor the service and sacrifice of our nation’s service members and veterans. We believe that it is important to give veterans and service members the dignity of a military funeral and to show them the respect we have for their selfless service to our country. Honoring your loved one with a formal veterans funeral will:

• Give you the opportunity to honor their service to our country.
• Show respect for your loved one and the U.S. Armed Forces.
• Allow you to follow the traditions of a military funeral service.
• Provide you with assistance and support for the burial costs.
• Allow you and your family and friends to say goodbye in a way that shows dignity and respect to your loved one. 

The Department of Defense provides funeral benefits to assist with the cost and planning of a veteran's funeral and burial service. Your loved one is eligible to receive military funeral honors if:

• They passed away while on active duty.
• They served in the active military, naval, or air service and received an honorable discharge or release under honorable conditions.
• They were a member or former member of the selected reserves and received an honorable discharge or release under honorable conditions.
• They were a member of the Commissioned Officers Corps of the Public Health Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
• They were a member of a civilian or contractual group who was given active duty determination or was named active duty designees of the military, navy, or air force.