Military funeral honors: the flag, Taps, and the ceremony
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.
The short answer
A veteran is entitled to military funeral honors — a brief, moving ceremony performed by uniformed service members. By federal law the core honors are the folding and presentation of the U.S. flag to the next of kin and the sounding of Taps, and they 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.
A legal entitlement, at no cost
The core honors, step by step
The required ceremony is short and follows a set form — the flag is folded, Taps is sounded, and the flag is presented to the next of kin:
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 on the family's behalf.
- 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 can vary
Military funeral honors: the flag, Taps, and the ceremony: common questions
Sources
Maintained by Calla and reviewed against the cited sources. This guide is general information, not legal or financial advice. See our editorial standards.