Our nation’s military veterans served their country in life, and when they pass on, they deserve a veteran funeral ceremony that honors their military service. For these men and women who sacrificed so much, family members want to plan a veteran funeral service that is fit for a hero, but they may not know how to honor a veteran.
At The Gardens of Boca Raton, we are so grateful for the courage and selflessness of our military heroes. It has been a great honor to plan many veteran funeral services that honor the memories of lost veterans and care for their families in their time of need. Read on to find out what we have learned about these deeply moving funeral services.
Why a Veteran Funeral Ceremony Is So Special
A funeral ceremony for one of our nation’s heroes is a memorable and deeply meaningful event. It can stir feelings of patriotism, provoke reflection on the sacrifices we ask these brave men and women to make, and deepen our feelings of respect for our loved one’s service.
It can be so moving to listen to the mournful sound of “Taps” on the bugle or watch uniformed service members solemnly fold the burial flag and present it to a family member. It may even provide an opportunity to learn more about your loved one or see them in a new light. You can plan a service that honors your departed veteran’s service and conveys the rich life they lived.
6 Ways to Honor a Veteran at a Veteran Funeral Service
You can take advantage of military funeral honors and find personalized ways to honor the memory of your lost loved one. All active service members and veterans can enjoy free military funeral honors as long as they have their DD-214 Military Discharge paperwork to be provided to the funeral home.
Display Military Memorabilia
You can display items from your lost loved one’s military service. They may have uniforms, medals, or other treasured mementos from their time in the military. If your departed veteran served in multiple locations around the globe, you could display a map and mark the spots where they were stationed throughout their military career.
Create a Digital Presentation
You can create a slideshow of photos or newspaper clippings related to their military service.
If you want to share the memories of anyone who cannot attend the funeral, you can ask them to record a video with their thoughts and insert that into the presentation.
Ask Fellow Service Members to Share Memories
Many end-of-life services invite guests to share memories of the deceased. It can be very moving to hear from anyone who serviced alongside your departed veteran. Perhaps your family member did not like to talk about their deployments. If that’s the case, hearing from those who served with them may give you new insight into their experiences.
Include Patriotic Elements
You can include patriotic decorations, such as funeral programs and memory cards with emblems of their specific branch or floral arrangements in red, white, and blue. Another option is to play songs that are associated with their branch. Send everyone home with a remembrance like a miniature flag.
Take Advantage of Military Funeral Honors
Every military branch provides military funeral honors for veterans who meet certain criteria. Eligible veterans get at least a two-person military detail who fold and present the United States burial flag and provide the playing of “Taps.” Funeral home directors can request these honors on behalf of the veteran’s family with a copy of the DD-214 Military Discharge paperwork.
Celebrate Other Aspects of Their Life
Your departed veteran lived a meaningful life and had value beyond their service. They built loving and meaningful relationships with family members. They may have contributed to their community through volunteering. Perhaps they had a second career after their military service. You do not have to exclude these important aspects of their life from the service just because it’s a “military funeral.” Be sure to plan a ceremony that reflects their full life.
At The Gardens of Boca Raton, it has been our privilege to assist with hundreds of military funerals to honor the memories of our veterans. We know how to honor a veteran with a veteran funeral service that is dignified and honorable, and we would be happy to assist you and your family. It can be a huge relief for families to have our funeral director work with the appropriate government programs to request military funeral honors on their behalf.
