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Military Funeral Honors

Mission

Render professional military funeral honors, in accordance with service tradition, to all eligible veterans when requested by an authorized family member.

Army National Guard Military Funeral Honors Program (NGB-SFSS)

The Army National Guard (ARNG) Military Funeral Honors program renders professional military funeral honors, in accordance with service tradition, to all eligible veterans when requested by an authorized family member.

The Army National Guard conducted 86% of all Military Funeral Honors for the Army and approximately 21% of all MFHs for the Department of Defense. In Fiscal year 2012, over 139,400 Soldiers and Veterans were buried with honors. In Fiscal Year 2013 the ARNG is expected to conduct approximately 146,000.

The MFH program has developed a comprehensive network within communities which allows for an expedient response to the needs of deceased veteran’s families. The MFH program has forged positive relationships between the ARNG, State leadership and local communities. The ARNG training program at the PEC has certified over 500 Soldiers since FY06. These trainers conduct in-State certification before Soldiers are authorized to perform MFHs. This training ensures the ARNG conducts professional and dignified MFHs.

Military Funeral Honors have always been provided whenever possible. However, the law now mandates the rendering of Military Funeral Honors for an eligible veteran if requested by the family. As provided by law, an honor guard detail for the burial of an eligible veteran shall consist of not less than two members of the Armed Forces. One member of the detail shall be a representative of the parent Service of the deceased veteran. The honor detail will, at a minimum, perform a ceremony that includes the folding and presenting of the American flag to the next of kin and the playing of Taps. Taps will be played by a bugler, if available, or by electronic recording.

You may contact your local funeral home director to initiate a request for Military Funeral Honors for a deceased Veteran. You will need to provide proof of military service in the form of a DD-214 or Statement of Service.