The Department of Defense (DOD) is responsible for providing military funeral honors. "Honoring Those Who Served” is the title of the DOD program for providing dignified military funeral honors to Veterans who have defended our nation.
Upon the family's request, Public Law 106-65 requires that every eligible Veteran receive a military funeral honors ceremony, to include folding and presenting the United States burial flag and the playing of "Taps." The law defines a military funeral honors detail as consisting of two or more uniformed military persons, with at least one being a member of the Veteran's parent service of the armed forces.
The DOD program calls for funeral home directors to request military funeral honors on behalf of the Veteran's family. However, the Department of Veterans Affairs National Cemetery Administration cemetery staff can also assist with arranging military funeral honors at VA national cemeteries. Veterans organizations may also assist in providing military funeral honors. I will assist all families of WASP in securing the proper paperwork for their loved ones upon their request. Email me at CherylMarie@38WASP.com
The Department of Defense began the implementation plan for providing military funeral honors for eligible Veterans on Jan. 1, 2000.
To get to the military funeral honors web site Follow this link.
Questions or comments concerning the DOD military funeral honors program may be sent
to the address listed below:
Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense
(Military Community and Family Policy)
4000 Defense Pentagon, Room 5A726
Washington, DC 20301-4000
Communications & Outreach Support Division (43A2)
Washington, DC 20420
(202) 461-6240
The National Cemetery Administration - www.cem.va.gov
public.inquiry@va.gov
Department of Veterans Affairs
National Cemetery Administration
Military Funeral Honors
Click on FORM to link to the proper site to view or download pdf. Adobe Reader required.
Form DD 2168 - Application for discharge of member or survivor of member of group certified to have performed active duty with the US Military. (WASP-This step must be completed first!)
Form DD 214 - Honorable Discharge Military
Form VA 40-0247 - Presidential Memorial Certificate Request
Form VA 27-2008 - Application For US Flag For Burial Purposes
National Archives -Medals and Decorations link
Photos courtesy of John F. Brothers
An interview between WWII WASP F.G. Shutsy Reynnolds and Alyssa Choinere, www.heraldstandard.com Uniontown, PA