Types of Military Services

By: Schilling Funeral Home & Cremation
Monday, October 24, 2022

Did you know there are two kinds of military honors services: standard military honors and full military honors? Every honorably discharged veteran is eligible for standard military honors, no matter which branch of the armed forces they served in, whether they died in battle, or if they lived a long life. A veteran can earn a military honors service at a cremation service in Fulton, IL by serving their country in an honorable way.  

In a standard military honors service, a military chaplain officiates the service and serves as a counselor for the bereaved before and after the service. A standard service also includes a United States flag that is draped over the casket for the service and given to the family afterward as a keepsake to honor their lost loved one’s service. An honor guard to present arms and salute the deceased is another part of standard military honors. At the appropriate time, two members of the guard will perform the flag-folding ceremony. The guard will fold the flag into a tri-corner shape. The guard will present the flag to the next of kin. Finally, a standard military honors service includes the playing of Taps, a standard bugle call during which everyone should stand and face the flag. Military personnel will salute, and civilians will place their right hand over their hearts. 

A full military honors service includes the same elements as standard service as well as several other honors, like a star-ranking officer are honored with a fired salute. In this tradition, the deceased will receive a specific number of gun salutes depending on his or her military rank. For example, Five-Star ranking Generals, along with chiefs of staff, cabinet members, and other high-ranking US officials will receive a 19-gun salute, Three-Star ranking officers will receive a 15-gun salute, and One-Star ranking officers will receive an 11-gun salute. The full 21-gun salute is reserved for the President as Commander-in-Chief. A full military honors funeral also includes a military band and an escort platoon to accompany the deceased to burial or the service. Finally, a Colonel/Captain and above will receive standard military honors and a caparisoned, riderless horse to symbolize a fallen leader.  

How should you act at a military honors funeral? These tips will help shed light on military funeral etiquette, like where to sit. Only immediate family members of the deceased should sit in the front row, as this is a pale of honor and makes it easier to give them the folded flag. Everyone seated should stay seated throughout the entire service, unless directed to stand. Keep in mind, only current or former military members should salute, but all civilians should remove hats or headgear during the salute. Also, when dressing, remember that men should wear a darkly colored suit and a tie, while women should wear a dark suit, dress, or skirt and blouse. All military personnel should wear their dress uniforms. Similar to standard funerals, it's best to dress as conservatively as possible out of respect for the deceased. 

We are here to help if you want more information on military honors or Fulton, IL cremation services.  Call or visit us today to learn more.  

Leave a comment
Name*:
Email:
Comment*:
Please enter the numbers and letters you see in the image. Note that the case of the letters entered matters.

Comments

Please wait

Previous Posts

Creating Meaningful Connections with Life Celebrations

Schilling Funeral Home & Cremation is more than just a provider of end-of-life services. We're a pillar within our community, committed to offering solace, guidance, and support during the tryi...

Planning Ahead: The Benefits of Pre-Planning Funeral Services

At Schilling Funeral Home & Cremation, we don’t merely provide funeral services; instead, we also strive to be pillars of support and comfort in times of distress. As part of our commitment to ...

Securing Your Future with Pre-Need Funeral Services

For many years, Schilling Funeral Home & Cremation has been a trusted name in the community, serving families in their times of need with dignity and compassion. Our experience and understandin...

The Dignity and Tradition of Burials Explained

Schilling Funeral Home & Cremation has been a pillar of the community for many years, providing much-needed guidance and solace during challenging times. Adhering to the highest professional st...

Dignity in Tribute: Understanding Military Honors

Paying tribute to individuals who have selflessly served in the military is a practice steeped in reverence and respect. When we honor a veteran's life and service, it is vital to do so in a way th...

Honoring Our Heroes: A Guide to Veteran Services

The brave individuals who served and protected our country deserve nothing less than the highest respect and honor at the end of their life's journey. At Schilling Funeral Home & Cremation, we ...

Finding Comfort and Support with Grief Resources

Losing someone dear to you generates a whirlwind of emotions - sadness, regret, longing, and often, a sense of deep despair. It’s a heart-wrenching journey that seems unbearably hard. Schilling Fun...

Celebrating Lives: The Essence of Honoring Life Services

Funerals are more than just a ritual to say our last goodbyes. It's a recognition of a life well-lived, an opportunity to celebrate the beautiful journey one has embarked upon. At Schilling Funeral...

Keep Memories Close with Elegant Cremation Jewelry

In the wake of a loss, the desire to keep your departed loved one close is a natural feeling. At Schilling Funeral Home & Cremation, we understand your need to hold onto those memories in a tan...

Celebrating Every Memory in Honoring Life

At Schilling Funeral Home & Cremation, we've been privileged to understand, through years of diligent service, that every life is unique and brings along a distinctive story. Being a part of yo...