Every veteran has earned the right to have active soldiers, sailors, Marines, airmen or Coast Guardsmen present at their funeral at no cost. Families can request military funeral honors from their loved one’s branch of service or ask their funeral director to do so on their behalf.
In accordance with 10 U.S.C. § 1491, military branches are required by law to provide funeral honors for their own branch. DoDI 1300.15 Military Funeral Honors Support implements this law and provides Department of Defense guidance. Service secretaries are required to provide, at a minimum, two uniformed military members to present the core elements of military funeral honors:
- Playing of “Taps”
- Flag folding
- Presentation of the flag
Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs)
Members of VSOs, such as the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars, play an important role in honoring our veterans. The Honor Guard may partner with VSOs to provide additional elements of military funeral honors.
Veteran Burial Flags
Family members and funeral directors may request a burial flag by submitting a completed Application for United States Flag for Burial Purposes (VA Form 27-2008), along with a copy of the veteran’s eligibility document, to any regional VA office or U.S. post office.
Requesting Military Funeral Honors
When requesting funeral honors, be prepared to provide details about your loved one, as well as the requested date, time and location for the honors. You will be asked to send proof of military service to determine eligibility. The preferred documentation for eligibility verification is DD Form 214, but any discharge document confirming honorable service can be used.
If you do not have the proper documentation, you may request military service records from the National Archives.
To request military funeral honors, call:
- Marine Corps: (406) 373-8402 | (866) 826-3628
- Navy: (406) 449-5725 | (360) 315-3275
- Air Force: (406) 731-2831 | (800) 531-5803
- Coast Guard: (571) 266-2375 | (206) 217-6676
For more information, contact the Montana Army National Guard Honor Guard at Fort William Henry Harrison by calling (406) 324-3230.
