Beyond burial benefits, eligible veterans are entitled to military funeral honors. This is where the true dignity of military service becomes visible—the folding and presentation of the American flag, the playing of Taps, and the respect shown by uniformed service members.

By law, every eligible veteran is entitled to receive military funeral honors, which include at minimum a two-person uniformed detail (at least one from the veteran's branch of service), the folding and presentation of the United States flag, and the playing of Taps. Many families find this portion of the service to be deeply moving and meaningful.

For veterans who served in certain conflicts or achieved certain ranks, full military honors may be available. This expanded ceremony can include a firing party (rifle salute), pallbearers, a bugler, and additional uniformed personnel. The level of honors provided often depends on availability and the veteran's service record.

Requesting military funeral honors isn't complicated, but it does require some advance coordination. This is where working with an experienced funeral director makes all the difference.

To arrange military honors, you'll need to provide documentation of the veteran's military service. The most important document is the DD Form 214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty). If you don't have a copy, we can help you request one from the National Archives, though this process can take time—which is why many veterans are encouraged to keep their DD-214 in a safe, accessible place and to inform family members of its location.

Once we have the necessary documentation, we'll coordinate with the appropriate military branch to arrange the honor guard detail. In Illinois, this typically involves working with organizations like the Illinois Military Funeral Honors Program, which coordinates with active duty military, reserve units, and veteran service organizations to ensure every eligible veteran receives the honors they deserve.

It's worth noting that you should request military honors as soon as funeral arrangements begin. While the military works hard to accommodate all requests, scheduling can sometimes be tight, especially during busy periods or in rural areas where honor guard units may need to travel greater distances.

The presentation of the American flag is often the most emotionally powerful moment of a veteran's funeral. The flag that draped the casket is carefully folded thirteen times into a triangle, with only the blue field of stars visible, and then presented to the next of kin.

The service member presenting the flag typically recites words to the effect of: "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."

For many families, this moment brings both tears and tremendous pride. It's a tangible reminder that your loved one's service mattered, that they were part of something larger than themselves, and that their sacrifice is honored by their country.

Many families don't realize that burial benefits extend beyond the veteran themselves. In national cemeteries, eligible spouses and dependent children can be buried alongside the veteran at no cost. This includes the gravesite, opening and closing of the grave, and perpetual care.

If a veteran is buried in a private cemetery, their spouse may also be eligible for certain memorial benefits. The headstone or marker provided by the VA can include the spouse's information, though they must meet certain eligibility requirements.

In addition to the burial flag, eligible veterans' families can request a Presidential Memorial Certificate. This is a certificate signed by the current president honoring the memory of deceased veterans who received an honorable discharge.

There's no time limit for requesting these certificates, and families can request multiple copies if needed—for example, if several family members would like their own copy. We're happy to help you request these certificates as part of the funeral planning process or even months or years after the service.

Beyond federal VA benefits, Illinois offers additional support for veterans and their families. The Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs can help with benefit applications, provide information about state veterans' homes, and connect families with resources.

Illinois also maintains several state veteran cemeteries that offer burial options for eligible veterans and their spouses. These cemeteries follow similar principles to national cemeteries, providing dignified burial grounds with perpetual care.

If you're planning a funeral for a veteran, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. We can walk you through every available benefit, help you understand eligibility requirements, and coordinate all the details to ensure your loved one receives the military honors they deserve.

We're here 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at (815) 395-0559, because we know that loss doesn't happen on a convenient schedule. Whether you're planning ahead or facing an immediate need, we're ready to provide the guidance, support, and expertise you need.

Your loved one answered the call to serve. Now it's our honor to help ensure they receive every recognition and benefit they've earned. Together, we'll create a service that reflects their dedication, celebrates their life, and provides your family with the meaningful tribute they deserve.