Funerals and memorial services are all about honoring the person who has passed and the achievements they made in their life. When a veteran passes away, this sentiment can feel even stronger. The contribution they made to our lives and our country deserves to be celebrated and honored in a special way.
If you’re planning a memorial service for a veteran, then we’ve got some ideas to make it a special event and to give them the send-off they deserve.
Military Funeral Honors ceremony
The life of military members and veterans can be celebrated with an official Military Funeral Honors ceremony. At this ceremony, at least two members of the Armed Forces will be present, typically from the same branch as the veteran served in. The US flag will be presented and often draped on the casket. Taps will also be played, either live on a bugle or trumpet or played as a recording. Many veterans are also buried in their military uniform.
Headstones for veterans
A custom headstone can also be provided for the burial of a veteran at no charge to the family, furnished by The Department of Veterans Affairs. Headstones or flat markers are typically provided in marble or granite to coordinate with the style of other headstones in the cemetery. As well as custom text to honor the veteran and their service, imagery and etchings are often used as well to represent their role played in the armed forces.
Highlighting their achievements
As well as the special provisions for veterans from the government, you can also make the day a special remembrance of your loved one. Most funerals and memorial services involve reminiscing about the deceased’s life and achievements, whether that’s through photos or stories.
When celebrating a veteran’s life, you could display their uniform, medals and other achievements they earned during their service, and photos or videos of them in the armed forces or in their uniform. The people who served with the deceased may also want to share special memories from their time together. Combining this with memories from their home and family life is a good way to celebrate the different aspects of their life, each important in their own way.
If you need more memorial ideas to really do justice to a veteran, then get in touch with Hayworth Miller in Winston Salem, Lewisville, Advance, Kernersville, or Rural Hall. We provide cremation services as well as burial funerals, so you can plan something that honors their wishes properly.