Military Honors at a Memorial Service: DD-214, Eligibility, and How to Request

Who Qualifies for Military Funeral Honors

Eligible groups include service members who die on active duty; veterans who served in the active military, naval, or air service and were discharged honorably or under honorable conditions; and members or former members of the Selected Reserve discharged honorably or under honorable conditions. Eligibility can have exceptions, so confirm it with the military funeral honors coordinator for the relevant service branch.

The honors detail beyond the minimum depends on the service branch and the veteran's status. Ask the coordinator what can be arranged for the service.

The DD Form 214 — Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty — or another discharge document showing honorable service helps establish eligibility. If you cannot find it, ask the coordinator what alternate documentation is accepted while you request the record.

Finding the DD-214

The DD-214 is a single document that proves military service, discharge status, and eligibility for honors. Here's where to look:

The veteran's personal files: Check filing cabinets, safety deposit boxes, and document folders. Veterans were given a copy at discharge.

VA records request: If you can't find it, request a copy through the National Personnel Records Center. Use the online request form or complete Standard Form 180; processing times vary, so request it as early as possible.

County recorder's office: Many veterans filed their DD-214 with their local county recorder after discharge. Call the county clerk in the county where the veteran lived after military service.

Time-sensitive note: If the memorial service is weeks away, start the records request immediately. The NPRC processes thousands of requests, and delays are common. Ask the funeral director or honor guard coordinator whether alternative proof of service (VA benefit letters, military ID, discharge papers) can temporarily substitute while the DD-214 is in transit.

How to Request Military Funeral Honors

The request is typically made through the funeral home, but you can also contact the military branch directly.

Through the funeral director: Most funeral homes coordinate honor guard requests as part of their services. Provide the DD-214 and the memorial service date, time, and location. The funeral director contacts the appropriate military installation.

Direct request: Use the Military Funeral Honors Directory to find the local coordinator for the service branch and location. For help using the directory, Military OneSource lists 800-342-9647.

Timing: Submit the request as soon as the date and location are known. Availability depends on the coordinator's schedule and location.

What Military Funeral Honors Include

Standard honors (all eligible veterans): At minimum, a ceremony with two uniformed service members — one to fold and present the American flag, and one to play Taps (live bugler or high-quality recording). The folded flag is presented to the next of kin with the words: "On behalf of the President of the United States, the United States [branch], and a grateful nation, please accept this flag as a symbol of our appreciation for your loved one's honorable and faithful service."

Additional honors: Elements beyond the minimum depend on the service branch and the veteran's status. Confirm what can be arranged with the local coordinator.

The flag is provided at no cost. You do not need to supply one.

Delayed Memorials and Military Honors

Military honors can be requested for a service after cremation. Families who have the veteran's cremated remains and want a burial ceremony can contact the Military Funeral Honors coordinator. Ask the coordinator whether the planned memorial setting and format can be accommodated.

If the veteran was cremated and you're holding the memorial weeks or months later, tell the coordinator the format and whether the cremated remains will be present.

For memorials at national cemeteries, contact the cemetery's scheduling office as soon as the date is known.

Additional Veteran Memorial Benefits

National cemetery burial: Eligible veterans and eligible spouses or dependents may receive burial in a VA national cemetery with available space at no cost to the family, including the gravesite, headstone or marker, and opening and closing of the grave. Funeral-home or cremation services are separate costs.

Presidential Memorial Certificate: A certificate signed by the current president, honoring the veteran's service. Request through the VA — it's free and can be framed and displayed at the memorial.

Headstone or marker: The VA provides a government headstone or marker at no charge for an eligible veteran's unmarked grave, including in a private cemetery. A private cemetery may charge a setting or installation fee. Apply through VA Form 40-1330.

The Planning a Memorial Service toolkit includes a veteran-specific checklist covering DD-214 retrieval, honor guard requests, VA benefit claims, and memorial planning timelines.