Planning a memorial service for a loved one can be emotional and overwhelming, particularly if the deceased was a veteran or active military member. In addition to the standard funeral rituals, military services can include several special honors and traditions. The compassionate staff of Northcutt & Son Home for Funerals in Morehead, KY, takes pride in doing their part to honor those who served. Here, they provide a few memorial service ideas for veterans. 

What to Consider When Planning a Veteran Memorial Service 

1. Cemetery 

Veterans and soldiers who served two years or more and were active or honorably discharged are eligible for United States military death benefits. Benefits include a free grave marker and burial in a national cemetery. This option can save families thousands of dollars, and it is an honorable gesture to bury the deceased among fellow soldiers. But it isn’t for everyone. Burial in a national cemetery often means the deceased will be laid to rest apart from family members or their spouse. Couples aren’t guaranteed adjacent plots, and non-veteran family members, including children, cannot be buried in these cemeteries. 

2. Headstone

The Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) provides free government grave markers to eligible deceased veterans. You can also memorialize the deceased’s service with a headstone engraved with military emblems and flags or a favorite military-related quote. The VA has a program offering eligible families some reimbursement for custom headstones. Ask your local VA chapter or funeral director for details. 

3. Ceremony 

The funeral director will carry out the Military Funeral Honors (MFH) ceremony. At Northcutt & Son Home for Funerals, official military ceremonies include the presence of a military chaplain, Flag Presentation Service by the American Legion chaplain, and a final salute at the grave site. You can also choose the full honor military funeral, which includes all of the standard honors and more. Depending on the deceased’s rank, the full honors ceremony may include a 21 gun salute, the playing of Taps, and the U.S. flag draped over the casket. The flag is given to the next of kin after the service. 

4. Memorial Service 

You can honor your loved one’s military history during the memorial service. One way to do so is with a memory table. On the table, you can display photos of the deceased during their time in the military. You can also encourage attendees to bring small U.S. flags or other patriotic items to place on the gravesite. 

For assistance planning your loved one’s memorial service in Rowan County, KY, contact the experienced funeral planners at Northcutt & Son Home for Funerals. They’ll support you through every step of the process, both physically and emotionally. Call (606) 784-6491 or visit their website for more information on their services.