A Guide to Honoring Our Fallen Heroes
When it comes to honoring a Veteran after they’ve passed, there are many different steps to follow in order to show proper respect. Keep reading to learn the proper ways to honor our fallen heroes.
What Are Traditional Elements or Honors That Take Place During Veterans Memorial Services?
A standard honor military funeral can include the following honors:
- A US flag that gets draped over the casket and given to next of kin after services.
- Casket transportation by a hearse, depending on the level of service, provided by the funeral home.
- A three-volley salute fired by a rifle party consisting of an odd number of 3-7 service members.
- The playing of Taps, either performed or via an audio recording.
- Final Salute at the grave site
A full-honor military funeral includes all the standard honors listed above, as well as:
- A military chaplain to assist family members.
- A ceremonial guard serving as pallbearers.
- A flyover by fighter jets in missing man formation
- Casket transportation by horse-drawn caisson
- A riderless horse, which symbolizes a fallen leader, that follows the limbers and caissons for commanding officers of O-6 (Colonel/Captain) and above
- An 11–17-gun salute for general officers and flag officers, depending on their rank.
- Participation from a military band and an escort platoon
Are There Benefits Associated?
Family and survivors of anyone who was an active or retired member of the military, or an honorably discharged Veteran could be able for the following benefits:
- An American flag that can be displayed either folded in the casket or draped over the casket.
- Burial in a National Cemetery (includes the grave space and opening and closing of the grave)
- A bronze or granite marker
- A lump sum payment between $300-$2,000, which you can learn more about here
- If not remarried, the surviving spouse is eligible for burial in the National Cemetery. Dependent children of the Veteran are also eligible.
- Reimbursement of burial expense**
** It’s important to note that reimbursement claims for Veteran's Benefits must be filed within two years of death by the Veteran's family, a non-family member who can prove that the Veteran's funeral services are paid, or the funeral director.
How Can Lee Funeral Homes Help?
Paperwork
When working with us, do not worry about paperwork. We will promptly complete and file all necessary documentation to ensure that a Veteran's family receives any available death benefits. You can count on us to handle this with the Federal Veterans Administration and County Veterans Affairs office. All that we ask is that we be provided with a copy of the Veteran's Honorable Discharge.
If a Veteran is considering making pre-need arrangements with us, we encourage them to allow us to copy discharge paperwork and keep that copy in the pre-need file for future reference. This service is offered to Veterans whether pre-paying a pre-need or not.
Presidential Memorial Certificate
To properly recognize and honor the Veteran, we request a certificate that bears the signature of the President of the United States. We obtain one of these certificates for every surviving spouse and child of a Veteran.
If you did not receive a Presidential Memorial Certificate when your Veteran passed away, email us at Info@LeeFuneralHomes.com and we will procure a certificate for you at NO CHARGE.
Flag Retirement Program
We coordinate with local Veterans groups around Calvert County MD and Prince George’s County, MD to collect worn flags and cremate them in accordance with the flag code. **
**In accordance with the UNITED STATES CODE, The “FLAG CODE,” TITLE 36 Chapter 10; 1176. Respect for flag: The flag represents a living country and is itself considered a living thing.
(k) The flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning.
What Is the Process for Honoring a Veteran at Lee Funeral Homes?
The First Phone Call
No matter who notifies us of a death, one of the first questions we ask is if the deceased person was a Veteran so that we know what procedures to follow. When transporting the Veteran, we drape the stretcher with a flag, no matter where or what time. We make sure to respect a Veteran from the moment we’re called to serve.
The Funeral Hearse
When taking the Veteran to their final resting place, we ensure their coach is identified with the American flag and the emblem of their branch of service, both on the back and side doors.
Identifying Pallbearers
Pallbearers usually dress in regular civilian attire unless the Veteran passed during active duty. To identify pallbearers, we provide each with a lapel pin as a gift of recognition for their service as a pallbearer for a Veteran.
Patriot’s Walk
Before the funeral procession arrives at the final resting place, our staff prepares the burial site by installing a double row of flags from the driveway where the coach will stop to the graveside, creating Patriot’s Walk in honor of the Veteran.
Honor Guard
We contact the Maryland National Guard to serve as an honor guard. They will provide a Final Salute through military honors.
Here at Lee Funeral Homes, we ensure that those who served our country will be properly honored. We understand how personal this matter is to your family, and we keep that in mind every step of the way. We do all we can to honor and pay respect to our fallen heroes.
If you require funeral arrangements, don't spend valuable time researching “funeral homes near me” or “local funeral homes.” Contact Lee Funeral Homes today, and we’ll take care of everything you need.








