Resources

​1. Understanding Military Funeral Honors

Military funeral honors are a formal ceremony to honor the service of U.S. Armed Forces veterans. At minimum, they include:

• Folding and presenting the American flag to the next of kin

• The playing of Taps, typically by a live bugler or ceremonial recording

• A rifle volley (optional) from an honor guard unit

• A uniformed detail from the veteran's branch of service
   

Eligibility: Veterans discharged under conditions other than dishonorable, active duty service members, and certain Reserve/Guard personnel.

Etiquette Notes:

• Family and attendees should stand during Taps and flag presentation.

• Men should remove hats and place their hand over their heart.

• Veterans may salute during Taps.

• Attendees should refrain from applause or casual conversation during these honors.

To arrange honors, contact the funeral home or request through the DoD Military Funeral Honors Program or the VA.
 

2. How to Request a Burial Flag from the VA

Eligible families may receive one free U.S. burial flag to honor a deceased veteran. This flag is used in ceremonies and often displayed with the casket or urn.
 

How to request:

• Complete VA Form 27-2008 (Application for United States Flag for Burial Purposes)

• Submit to a local post office or VA regional office

• You must provide proof of military service (DD-214 or equivalent)
   

Tips:

• Request the flag as early as possible in planning.

• Consider purchasing or building a memorial flag display case for long-term preservation.

• Burial flags should never be flown outdoors due to their ceremonial nature.
   

3. Symbolism Behind the Folding of the American Flag

The 13 traditional folds of the American flag are rich in symbolism, although not officially codified by the military.
 

They are often interpreted as follows:

1. Life

2. Belief in eternal life

3. Honor and remembrance

4. Trust in God

5. Tribute to the country

6. Devotion to truth and justice

7. Tribute to the Armed Forces

8. Salute to the one who entered into the valley of the shadow of death

9. Tribute to womanhood and mothers

10. Tribute to fathers
    11–13. Religious symbolism and commitment to freedom
     

Etiquette:

• The folded triangle should display only the blue field with stars.

• The flag should never touch the ground.

• Only trained honor guards or military personnel should perform the folding.
   

4. Custom Memorial Artwork

Visual tributes help immortalize the legacy of veterans, first responders, and patriots.

Common formats include:

• Digital Portraits (hand-illustrated or stylized from photos)

• Tribute Posters (24x36 or 16x24 sizes)

• Banners for services or graveside setups

• Keepsake Cards or service programs

• Slide shows or tribute videos with military music and voiceover
   

Design best practices:

• Include official branch insignia or badges (ensure copyright-free or permission)

• Use red, white, and blue elements respectfully—not gimmickry

• Maintain clarity, contrast, and solemnity in colors and fonts
   

5. What to Include in a Patriotic Memorial Display

A tribute table is a central visual in most patriotic memorial services.

Suggested items include:

• Framed photo or portrait

• Military uniform, medals, ribbons, patches

• Engraved dog tags

• Keepsakes like a Bible, folded flag, or special letter

• Personal effects (pilot wings, helmet, firefighting badge)

• Candles or symbolic lighting
   

Layout tips:

• Center the flag or portrait

• Keep the arrangement clean, respectful, and symmetrical

• Avoid overcrowding; each item should have space and purpose
   

6. Difference Between Memorial Services and Funerals

Funerals typically involve a casket, occur shortly after death, and may include burial.
Memorial services are more flexible—often post-cremation or after burial—and focus on celebration of life.
 

In patriotic memorial contexts:

• Memorials allow time for formal military or civic honors, even months after death.

• Virtual attendance options can include digital slideshows or tribute pages.
   

Etiquette guidance:

• Formal attire is recommended (dark suits, dresses, or uniforms)

• Service programs should include the deceased’s military or civic affiliations

• Order of service may include: Pledge of Allegiance, eulogy, Taps, reading of honors
   

7. How to Personalize Keepsakes

Memorial keepsakes offer enduring reminders of a loved one’s service.

Popular options:

• Custom dog tags engraved with name, rank, branch, and dates

• Wooden keepsake boxes with service emblems or etched names

• Challenge coins with custom messaging

• Keychains with photo or rank insignia

• Embroidered patches of units, departments, or missions
   

Tips:

• Include a favorite quote, scripture, or motto

• Use high-quality materials (metal, hardwood, acrylic)

• Make options available for both family and comrades
   

8. Planning a Memorial Tribute for First Responders

Firefighters, police officers, EMTs, and civic servants often receive line-of-duty memorials or public honors.

Elements may include:

• Bagpipe processions

• Last radio call or final dispatch tribute

• Thin Red Line or Thin Blue Line symbolism (in flags, apparel, or design)

• Escort by service vehicles or department personnel
   

Additional considerations:

• Ensure coordination with their department or union for proper protocol

• Incorporate gear (helmet, badge, turnout coat) into visual displays

• Respect state and departmental traditions—some use specific badges or salutes

Absolutely—here are two additional highly informative resource topics to round out your collection to a complete set of 10, specifically tailored to patriotic memorial services:

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9. Writing a Patriot’s Obituary or Memorial

Crafting an obituary or memorial bio for a veteran, first responder, or civic patriot should reflect both their personal life and their service legacy.

A well-written tribute includes:

• Full name, rank/title, branch or department served

• Dates of birth and passing

• Service highlights (conflicts served, honors awarded, years of duty)

• Personal life (family, education, hobbies, faith)

• Message of gratitude to those who served beside them or supported them
   

Tone & Style Tips:

• Maintain dignity and clarity—avoid overly casual phrases

• Use respectful past-tense language: “served,” “was honored with...”

• Include formal acknowledgments like “We thank him/her for their service to our nation and community.”
   

These tributes are often read aloud, printed in service programs, and posted online. A professional writer or designer can help elevate the tone and layout.
 

10. Coordinating with Organizations for Support

Numerous local and national organizations offer support for memorial services, ceremonies, and family outreach. These include:

• American Legion and VFW for military honors and ceremonial participation

• Patriot Guard Riders for escorting remains or attending memorials

• Local fire, police, or EMS departments for honor guards or bagpipers

• Gold Star Family groups for emotional and logistical support
   

How to get help:

• Reach out early to request flag line participation or ceremonial presence

• Ask your funeral director or memorial coordinator for existing contacts

• Many organizations will provide free assistance as part of their mission
   

Helpful Add-ons:

• Include these groups in acknowledgments during the service

• Display affiliated insignias or flags respectfully in tribute areas

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11. Differences Between Active Duty, Veteran, and Retiree Funeral Honors
 

Not all service members receive the same funeral honors—there are distinctions based on status at the time of death:

• Active Duty: Receive full military honors which may include a caisson (horse-drawn carriage), 21-gun salute, full military escort, and chaplain services.

• Veterans (with honorable discharge): Entitled to basic honors, typically a flag folding, Taps, and a 2-person detail.

• Military Retirees: May qualify for enhanced honors, such as additional pallbearers or rifle detail, depending on rank and branch resources.
   

Pro Tip: Families should clarify the service status of their loved one when planning. Funeral directors and Veterans Service Officers (VSOs) can help confirm entitlements.
 

12. How to Properly Retire or Fold a Burial Flag After a Memorial

After a burial flag is presented, many families are unsure what to do with it long-term.

Here's what most don’t know:

• Do not unfold it for display—it should remain in its triangular fold in a flag case.

• If it must be unfolded (e.g., for a second service or transport), it should be refolded by someone trained (preferably a veteran or honor guard).

• Never wash or dry-clean the flag. If it becomes damaged, it should be retired properly—usually by burning in a ceremonial flag retirement conducted by the American Legion or VFW.
   

Note: Patriot Memorial Services can offer referral or partnership services for proper flag case engraving and preservation.
 

13. Etiquette of Challenge Coins at Memorials

Challenge coins are small medallions bearing a unit insignia or emblem and are often exchanged in the military or first responder communities.
 

In memorial settings, challenge coins may be:

• Placed on the casket, urn, or memorial table as a sign of respect

• Given to family members as a keepsake

• Passed among attendees who served alongside the fallen
   

Coin Etiquette:

• Present it with your right hand, palm up

• Include a brief phrase or story when gifting it (“For your father’s strength and service…”)

• Never drop or toss a coin on a memorial—placement should be deliberate and solemn
   

These symbolic items are a quiet way for fellow servicemembers and responders to say goodbye.