Who is entitled to military funeral honors?

Veterans who served and were discharged under conditions other than dishonorable are generally eligible for military funeral honors. This includes those who completed a period of active duty or qualifying reserve service. The funeral director usually requests honors on the family's behalf; a copy of the DD-214 discharge document helps confirm eligibility.

What do military funeral honors include?

By law, the core honors are the folding and presentation of the United States flag to the next of kin and the playing of Taps, performed by a detail of at least two uniformed members of the armed forces, at least one from the deceased's branch. Additional elements like a rifle volley or a larger detail may be available depending on resources and the cemetery.

How much do military funeral honors cost?

The core military funeral honors — the flag, its presentation, and Taps — are provided by the Department of Defense at no cost to the family. The burial flag itself is also provided free through the VA. These honors are separate from, and in addition to, any VA burial allowance the family may qualify for.

Military funeral honors: the flag, Taps, and the ceremony

By Calla Editorial · Updated June 2026

Eligible veterans are entitled to military funeral honors — the folding and presentation of the flag and the playing of Taps, by at least two uniformed service members — at no cost to the family.

A veteran is entitled to military funeral honors — a brief, moving ceremony performed by uniformed service members. The honors recognize the person's service and are provided at no cost. They can accompany a burial or a memorial, and pair with the separate VA burial benefits a family may qualify for.

The core honors

By federal law, every eligible veteran is entitled to two core elements: the folding and presentation of the U.S. flag to the next of kin, and the sounding of Taps. The honors are rendered by a detail of at least two members of the armed forces, at least one from the veteran's own branch of service.

The flag

A burial flag is provided free by the VA. During the ceremony the detail folds it into the traditional triangle and presents it to the family with the words of a grateful nation. The flag is the family's to keep.

Taps and additional elements

Taps is played, by a live bugler where one is available or by a high-quality recording otherwise. Some services also include a rifle volley, a larger honor guard, or escort, depending on availability and the cemetery — these go beyond the legally required core honors.

How to request honors

Tell the funeral director the person was a veteran — they request honors for you.
Provide a copy of the DD-214 discharge document to confirm eligibility.
Ask the VA or the cemetery about a burial flag and a government headstone or marker.
Honors can be arranged at national, state, or private cemeteries.

Eligibility and the elements offered can vary. The funeral director and the VA can confirm what a particular veteran is entitled to.

Common questions

Who is entitled to military funeral honors?: Veterans who served and were discharged under conditions other than dishonorable are generally eligible for military funeral honors. This includes those who completed a period of active duty or qualifying reserve service. The funeral director usually requests honors on the family's behalf; a copy of the DD-214 discharge document helps confirm eligibility.
What do military funeral honors include?: By law, the core honors are the folding and presentation of the United States flag to the next of kin and the playing of Taps, performed by a detail of at least two uniformed members of the armed forces, at least one from the deceased's branch. Additional elements like a rifle volley or a larger detail may be available depending on resources and the cemetery.
How much do military funeral honors cost?: The core military funeral honors — the flag, its presentation, and Taps — are provided by the Department of Defense at no cost to the family. The burial flag itself is also provided free through the VA. These honors are separate from, and in addition to, any VA burial allowance the family may qualify for.

Sources

Reviewed and maintained by Calla Editorial. This guide is general information, not legal or financial advice. See our editorial standards.