Military Honors and Veterans Funeral Services
When a veteran passes away, their service to our country deserves to be honored with the dignity and respect they've earned. At Farrell-Ryan Funeral & Cremation Services, we understand that there is no greater honor than serving those who have served our country. If you're planning veteran funeral services for a loved one who wore the uniform, you probably have questions about what benefits are available and how military honors work.
Let's walk through everything you need to know about veterans funeral services, military honors, and the special recognition your loved one has earned.

What Are Military Honors?
Military honors are ceremonial tributes performed at a veteran's funeral to recognize their service and sacrifice. These time-honored traditions bring a sense of dignity and patriotism to the service, offering comfort to families and paying tribute to the veteran's commitment to our nation.
At minimum, military honors include:
The folding and presentation of the United States flag. This powerful moment is deeply symbolic. The flag that draped the casket is carefully folded into a triangle and presented to the next of kin with words of gratitude from a grateful nation.
The playing of "Taps." This haunting 24-note bugle call has been a military tradition since the Civil War. Whether played live or by a high-quality recording, "Taps" is a moving tribute that brings closure and honor to the service.
A rifle salute. For eligible veterans, a three-volley rifle salute performed by an honor guard adds a solemn and powerful element to the ceremony.
These elements come together to create a ceremony that's both deeply personal and profoundly patriotic. It's a final salute to someone who answered the call to serve.
Who Is Eligible for Veterans Funeral Services?
The good news is that eligibility for veteran funeral services and military honors is fairly broad. Most veterans who served our country qualify for some level of benefits and recognition.
You may be eligible if your loved one:
A veteran who didn't receive a dishonorable discharge is generally eligible for military funeral honors and burial benefits. This includes veterans from all branches of service and from peacetime as well as wartime.
A service member who died while on active duty, active duty for training, or inactive duty for training also qualifies for full military honors and veteran burial benefits.
The spouse or minor child of a veteran can also receive certain benefits, even if the veteran died first. In some cases, the unmarried adult dependent child of a veteran may also be eligible.
If you're unsure whether your loved one qualifies, don't hesitate to reach out. Our staff is committed to providing quality service and professional assistance to help families understand what benefits are available and how to access them.
Understanding Veterans Burial Benefits
Beyond the ceremony itself, the United States Department of Veterans Affairs provides several benefits to help cover the costs associated with a veteran's funeral and burial.
Burial benefits may include:
Burial allowance. The VA provides a burial allowance to help cover funeral, burial, and transportation costs. The amount varies depending on whether the death was service-connected and where the burial takes place.
Plot allowance. If the veteran is buried in a private cemetery rather than a national cemetery, the VA may provide a plot allowance to help offset the cost of the burial space.
Headstone or marker. The VA provides a government headstone or marker at no cost for veterans buried in private cemeteries. This can be a traditional upright headstone, a flat marker, or a niche cover for cremated remains.
Presidential Memorial Certificate. This certificate, signed by the current president, recognizes the veteran's service and is presented to the family as a keepsake.
The veterans death benefits help cover the burial, funeral, and transportation costs associated with the deceased's services and disposition. These benefits exist to ensure that every veteran receives a dignified farewell, regardless of their family's financial situation.
Veteran Cremation Services
More and more families are choosing cremation, and veterans are no exception. The good news is that choosing veteran cremation doesn't mean sacrificing military honors or the dignity your loved one deserves.
With veteran cremation, you have several options:
You can hold a traditional funeral service with the veteran's cremated remains present in an urn. Military honors can be performed just as they would be with a traditional burial. The flag can drape the urn, "Taps" can be played, and the folded flag can be presented to the family.
A graveside service at a national cemetery or private cemetery is another option. The cremated remains can be interred in the ground or placed in a columbarium niche, with full military honors performed at the committal.
Some families choose a memorial service after cremation has taken place. This allows more flexibility in timing and can still incorporate military honors and recognition of the veteran's service.
Whether you choose burial or cremation, the veteran's service should be honored with the same level of respect and dignity. Our team will work with you to create a meaningful ceremony that reflects both your loved one's military service and their unique personality.
Military Burial in National Cemeteries
Veterans who meet eligibility requirements can be buried in one of the VA's national cemeteries at no cost. This includes the gravesite, opening and closing of the grave, perpetual care, a government headstone or marker, and a burial flag.
National cemeteries are beautiful, peaceful places that serve as a final resting place for those who served our country. The rows of white headstones create a powerful visual reminder of the service and sacrifice of our nation's veterans.
If you choose burial in a national cemetery:
The VA provides the grave space and maintains it in perpetuity. Families never have to worry about upkeep or maintenance fees.
A government-furnished headstone or marker is included, engraved with the veteran's name, branch of service, and dates of birth and death. Religious emblems or other approved symbols can also be added.
Spouses and eligible dependents can also be buried in the veteran's grave space at no additional cost. This allows families to remain together even in death.
How to Apply for Veterans Funeral Benefits
Navigating the paperwork after losing a loved one can feel overwhelming, especially when you're grieving. That's where we come in. Our staff is here to help you complete the necessary forms to obtain benefits provided through the United States Department of Veterans Affairs for deceased veterans.
You can apply for burial benefits online or by mail after completing VA Form 21P-530. This form is used to apply for burial allowances, plot allowances, and other benefits.
To request military honors, you'll need to provide a copy of the veteran's discharge papers (DD Form 214) to the funeral director. We'll coordinate with the appropriate military branch to arrange the honor guard and ceremony.
What you'll need:
The veteran's discharge papers (DD Form 214 or equivalent). If you don't have a copy, we can help you request one.
Basic information about the veteran, including their full name, Social Security number, dates of birth and death, and branch of service.
Information about where the veteran will be buried or their cremated remains will be placed.
We'll walk you through the process step by step, ensuring that all the forms are completed correctly and submitted on time. Our goal is to make this process as smooth as possible so you can focus on honoring your loved one and beginning to heal.
Personalizing Veterans Funeral Services
While military honors provide a structured and meaningful framework for the service, there's still plenty of room to personalize the ceremony to reflect your loved one's unique life and personality.
Ways to personalize veteran funeral services include:
Displaying military memorabilia. Uniforms, medals, ribbons, photographs from service, and other military items can be displayed at the service or during visitation.
Sharing stories of service. Whether during a eulogy or through a video tribute, sharing stories about your loved one's military experience helps paint a complete picture of their life.
Incorporating personal interests. Your loved one was more than their military service. Including elements that reflect their hobbies, passions, and personality creates a well-rounded tribute.
Music selections. Beyond "Taps," you might include patriotic songs, hymns, or your loved one's favorite music.
Special readings. Poems, scripture, or military readings can add depth and meaning to the service.
At Farrell-Ryan Funeral & Cremation Services, we're committed to creating a wonderful remembrance event that reflects the unique life of your loved one. We firmly believe that each life deserves to be remembered and honored, and we'll work closely with you to ensure the service is both a fitting military tribute and a personal celebration of the individual you loved.
Supporting Families Through Every Step
We understand that planning a funeral while grieving is one of the most difficult tasks you'll ever face. That's why we approach every family with compassion, transparency, and a commitment to making this process as smooth as possible.
Since 1935, we've been privileged to serve families in Monroe County with dignity and reverence. Our long-established reputation for professional, caring service means you can trust us to handle every detail with respect and attention.
We have open and honest conversations about funeral services and veteran benefits. This approach leaves families with a better understanding of what's involved in making funeral arrangements and how we can assist you. We'll explain your options clearly, help you understand the benefits available, and support you in making decisions that honor your loved one.
Our staff guarantees we will carry out the arrangements you want, just as you directed. Whether you're planning a full military burial, a veteran cremation with honors, or something more intimate, we're here to help you create a meaningful tribute.
Pre-Planning for Veterans
If you're a veteran thinking about the future, pre-planning your funeral arrangements can provide tremendous peace of mind for you and your family. By making these decisions now, you ensure that your wishes are honored and spare your family from making difficult decisions during an emotional time.
Pre-planning also allows you to take full advantage of the veterans funeral services and benefits you've earned through your service. We can help you understand exactly what's available and incorporate those benefits into your plan.
Once the plans have been arranged, you and your family can rest easy knowing those uncomfortable decisions have been made. You'll have the confidence that your service will reflect both your military service and your personal wishes.
When You Need Us, We're Here
Planning veteran funeral services doesn't have to be overwhelming. Our team is here to guide you through every step, from understanding eligibility requirements to coordinating military honors to filing for benefits.
Whether you're facing an immediate need or thinking about planning ahead, we're ready to help. Our phone lines are open 24/7 because we know that loss doesn't keep business hours.
At Farrell-Ryan Funeral & Cremation Services, we believe there is no greater honor than serving those who have served our country. Your loved one's military service deserves to be recognized with dignity, respect, and gratitude. We'll help you create a ceremony that provides that recognition while also celebrating the unique person they were.
If you have questions about veterans funeral services, military honors, or any aspect of planning a veteran's funeral, please don't hesitate to reach out. We're always here to help.
