Dialogues About Death | E12: Military Honors & Memories
Honoring Our Veterans: Understanding Military Funeral Benefits & Traditions
When a loved one who has served in the military passes away, they are entitled to special honors that recognize their service and sacrifice. Whether they were active duty or retired, the United States military provides a range of benefits to ensure that veterans receive the dignity and respect they deserve in their final farewell.
In a recent episode of Dialogues About Death, Chris Miller, owner of Thomas Miller Mortuary & Crematory, shared valuable insights into military funeral benefits, honors, and special traditions. If you or someone you love is a veteran, this guide will help you understand the entitlements, planning process, and meaningful ways to honor military service.
What Are Veterans’ Death Benefits?
There are two main categories of military funeral benefits:
- Active Duty Death Benefits
- Preparing and transporting the body
- Providing a government-issued casket
- Covering funeral expenses up to $7,000
- Coordinating burial in a national cemetery
- Veteran Benefits for Retired Service Members
- Burial in a National Cemetery (at no cost)
- A headstone or grave marker (provided by the government)
- Military Honors at their service
- Burial benefits for their spouse
💡 Did You Know? The Riverside National Cemetery (located just 25 miles from Thomas Miller Mortuary) will be the largest national cemetery in the U.S. when fully completed!
Military Honors: What to Expect
One of the most touching aspects of a veteran’s funeral is the military honors ceremony, which may include:
- 🎺 Taps – A solemn bugle call played at military funerals.
- 🎖️ Flag Presentation – The U.S. flag is folded and presented to the next of kin.
- 🔫 21-Gun Salute – A rifle team fires in honor of the deceased (based on rank and availability).
- 🪖 Pallbearers & Uniformed Service Members – For high-ranking or special honorees.
💡 Fun Fact: The bugle playing Taps is often a recording, but live performances may occur depending on availability!
Choosing a Resting Place: National vs. Private Cemeteries
🦅 Veterans have the right to be buried in a National Cemetery (like Riverside, Miramar, or Bakersfield in California).
💡 Important Notes:
- Burial plots in National Cemeteries are free of charge.
- Spouses and disabled children of veterans may also be buried with them.
- Some private cemeteries allow for government-issued headstones if a National Cemetery is not preferred.
🌟 Memorable Military Services: Chris shared an emotional story of a high-ranking official’s funeral, where top military dignitaries, a stealth bomber flyover, and full military honors created a truly unforgettable tribute.
How to Ensure Your Loved One Receives Their Full Benefits
🎖️ Steps to Take:
- Locate Their DD214 (Honorable Discharge Papers)
- Decide on Burial Preferences (National Cemetery, Private Plot, or Cremation?)
- Contact a Funeral Director – Thomas Miller Mortuary helps families handle all paperwork & coordination with the VA and National Cemeteries.
- Consider Pre-Planning – Veterans can plan in advance to ensure their wishes are honored.
📌 Special Note: If a veteran was injured in service and receiving VA disability benefits, their spouse may still be eligible for additional benefits after their passing.
Final Thoughts: A Lasting Tribute to Those Who Served
Honoring a veteran at the time of their passing is a deeply meaningful way to recognize their sacrifice. Whether it’s a flag-folding ceremony, a rifle salute, or burial in a National Cemetery, these traditions provide comfort to families and a lasting tribute to our heroes.
💡 Chris’s Advice: “Veterans made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. It’s important that they and their families receive the full honors they deserve.”
👉 Need Help? Contact Thomas Miller Mortuary to learn more about military funeral planning and ensure that your loved one receives all the benefits they are entitled to.
📌 Watch the full episode here: Military Honors & Memories – YouTube.