A military funeral allows you to respectfully lay a loved one to rest, honor their life, and show dedication to the armed forces. However, the process for the service is a little different than a standard funeral. Here's what you should know about a veteran's funeral ceremony and what to mention in the obituary.

Eligibility

Not everyone who served in the military is eligible for a military funeral. The following individuals are eligible for a military funeral: 

• Active Duty Service Members
• Retirees
• Veterans who were honorably discharged
• Reservists and National Guard members who were eligible for retirement pay
• Former military members who served on active duty and separated from the military under honorable conditions
• Commissioned Officers of the Public Health Service and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
• Merchant Marines with World War II service

Process

The first step in arranging a military funeral is to contact the funeral home and inform them of the deceased's military service. The funeral home will then contact the appropriate military branch to arrange for military honors. 

Military honors can include the folding and presentation of the American flag, the playing of Taps, and a gun salute. The number of personnel involved in the ceremony will depend on the deceased's rank and branch of service.

Reimbursement

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides reimbursement for some burial expenses for eligible veterans. To apply for reimbursement, the following forms need to be filled out and submitted to the VA:

• -VA Form 21P-530, Application for Burial Benefits
• -DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty

In addition to burial benefits, some veterans may be entitled to other benefits, such as a government-furnished headstone or marker, burial in a national cemetery, and a Presidential Memorial Certificate.

If you need to start planning a funeral service for a deceased veteran, look no further than Robert W. Waid Funeral Home in Meadville, PA. Serving Crawford County residents for over a century, these compassionate funeral directors will help you with every step of the planning process while keeping the wishes of the departed foremost in mind. Call (814) 724-1021 to ask about military funerals or visit them online for more information.