Losing a loved one is never easy but saying goodbye to a veteran demands added respect and honor. Whether you’re a family member or a funeral director, planning funeral services requires attention to every detail. This article provides a roadmap to help plan a fitting funeral that honors and pays tribute to a fallen hero.
Contact the Appropriate Authorities
At the point when a veteran passes away, the family or legal representative must notify the authorities and secure an official death certificate. Additionally, the United States Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) must be notified. The agency offers assistance and benefits to eligible veterans. The VA determines if the individual is qualified for benefits, including a flag for the casket, a headstone, and burial in a national cemetery. If the veteran qualifies for the burial benefits offered by the VA, the family or representative must provide required documents, and the VA will schedule the burial.
Funeral Arrangements
Once eligibility is confirmed, the family or representative should visit the funeral home of their choice, explain the service requirements, and present their benefits eligibility letter. The funeral director works hand in hand with the family or representative to arrange the funeral, visitation, and burial service. Suppose there’s a preference for a specific church, family gathering, or a national cemetery. In that case, the funeral director will make arrangements, ensure all legal requirements are met, and coordinate logistics with all parties.
Military Funeral Honors
Military funeral honors are available for an eligible veteran. A military funeral honors detail will conduct a ceremony during the burial ceremony to ensure that the veteran receives due military honors. This service includes reverent and respectful folding of our nation’s flag and presenting it to the next of kin, with the rifle-volley and taps played by a bugler or a recording. Funeral directors typically will coordinate the military funeral honors detail with the DoD, based on eligibility and service branch.
Personalize the Service
Although funeral arrangements can be challenging, the funeral directors, like those at Funeral Caring USA, will work with the family to personalize and create a meaningful funeral service. Veterans come from various branches of the military and served in different capacities. It’s important to commemorate the veteran’s service, especially if they received honors, distinguished awards, and served in combat zones. Allow the service to portray the veteran in a way that honors their life, achievements, and service to their country.
Reap the Benefits
The VA offers numerous benefits to assist the families of veterans. The VA may assist with burial allowances, transportation reimbursements, and survivor benefits. VA-provided headstones or markers are provided free of charge for all eligible veterans. To benefit from these services, the funeral director will provide guidance to the family or representative, ensuring all the right documentation is submitted as required.
Losing a loved one is never easy, but honoring a fallen veteran with a dignified and memorable funeral honors their service to their country. Navigating funeral arrangements can be overwhelming, but with the right assistance and guidance, all the necessary arrangements can be taken care of effortlessly. As funeral directors, it’s an honor to assist families of veterans and ensure the veteran receives the respect and dignity he or she deserves. With the help of a funeral director, families can focus on celebrating the life of their loved ones and taking the time to process their loss.
