   
Intro - Civilian - Firefighter - Police - Presentation Video
The rendering of military funeral honors demonstrates the Nation’s gratitude to those who in time of war and peace, have defended our
country. This ceremonial paying of respect is the final demonstration a grateful Nation can provide to the veterans’ families.
Eligibility for Military Funeral Honors
- Former military members who served on active duty and departed under conditions other than dishonorable.
- Former military members who completed at least one term of enlistment, or period of initial obligated service in the Selected Reserve and
departed under conditions other than dishonorable.
- Former military members discharged from the Selected Reserve due to a disability incurred or aggravated in the line of duty.
Description of Military Honors
The honor detail will, at a minimum, perform a ceremony that includes the folding and presenting of the American flag to the next of kin and the
playing of Taps. Taps will be played by a bugler, if available, or by electronic recording. Because we are a nation at war, there are so few
buglers available that the Military Services often cannot provide one. The military issues bugles with implanted recordings of Taps that are very
life-like. A member of the detail holds it in a proper fashion and most people are unaware that is actually a recording.
Rifle salutes are provided to retired military personnel, or those servicemen killed in the line of duty. A 21-gun salute is reserved for heads of state.
The piper is not attached to the military detail officially, but does perform and co-operate in accordance with their protocols.
Military Funeral Honors are provided by the Department of Defense at no charge to the family.
What can the family expect?
- Rifle Salute (if applicable)
- Playing of Taps
- Flag folding and presentation
- Bagpipes
A member of the detail presents the flag to the designated recipient. The Services request at least 48 hours in order to organize a
funeral honors detail.
Similar to graveside protocols of Arlington National Cemetery, the piper performs after the folded flag has been presented to the designated
family member and the detail has completed their obligations. Typically, Amazing Grace is performed, but the musical selection is not
limted to it alone.
These described protocols do not apply at the prior funeral service that takes place at a separate location. There the piper can perform in a
similar fashion as described in the Civilan section of this website.
On many occasions, I have piped the deceased veteran's casket to graveside with appropriate music. As long as it does not interfere with the
military detail, there will be no objections.
 
© Copyright 2008-2012 ~ J. Stephen Sanders
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As provided by law, an honor guard detail for the burial of a veteran shall consist of not less than two members of the Armed Forces.
One member of the detail shall be a representative of the parent Service of the deceased veteran.
