The Connecticut National Guard Funeral Honors Team is committed to recognizing the sacrifice and contributions of our nation's veterans by providing honors upon request by the family of an eligible veteran.
The rendering of military funeral honors is one way we show the nation's deep gratitude to those who, in times of war and peace, have faithfully defended and served our country. This ceremonial paying of respect is the final tribute provided to the veteran and the gamily that supported them during their service.
If you are looking for honors to be rendered at a funeral of a Military member or Veteran, please contact the Connecticut National Guard Military Funeral Honors Team at
ctarng.mfh@gmail.com,
(203) 568-1741 (office), or
(860) 883-6778 (24-hour duty cell phone)
Resources
Army Funeral Honors Request Form
Firing Party Request Form
Military Funeral Honors brochure
Military Funeral Honors History
VA Flag application
FAQ
How much does a military funeral honors detail cost?
The Department of Defense will provide military funeral honors at no cost to the family.
What are the core elements of the Military Funeral Honors program?
The law mandates that the service secretary render military funeral honors for an eligible veteran upon request by the family. A funeral honors detail, at a minimum, shall consist of no fewer than two members of the armed forces. One member of the detail shall be a representative from the service branch of the deceased veteran. The honor detail will, at a minimum, perform a ceremony that includes the folding and presentation of the American flag and the playing of Taps. Taps will be played by a bugler, if available, or by ceremonial bugle or electronic recording. The veteran's service branch representative will present the flag. Upon request by the family for full military funeral honors, the detail will include the additional element of a gun salute, subject to what is permitted at the place honors are presented.
How much notice should be provided for the honors request?
The military services request at least 48 hours notice in order to organize and transport the funeral honors detail. However, submit all requests to the service in which the decedent served.
Who is eligible?
- Military members on active duty
- Military retirees
- Members and former members of the Selected Reserve
- Eligible U.S. veterans of any war
- Other U.S. veterans who served at least one term of enlistment and separated under conditions other than dishonorable
Who is not eligible?
Some veterans are not eligible for military funeral honors. This includes, for example, those discharged from the armed forces
under dishonorable conditions and individuals sentenced to death for a federal or state capital offense. There are other offenses that may make a veteran ineligible for military funeral honors. The service casualty office is responsible for determining eligibility for military funeral honors, so all requests for honors should be forwarded there for verification. Further clarification on eligibility is available in Title 10 and Title 38, United States Code, which is available on
Military OneSource.
How can veterans service organizations assist in performing military funeral honors for the funeral service?
The DOD recognizes the valuable role that members of VSOs play in honoring our veterans. Many of these organizations have close working relationships with cemeteries and funeral homes in their regions and are often the first stop in arranging military funeral honors for our veterans. However, the DOD requests that the funeral directors make contact with the service casualty office of the veteran to coordinate military funeral honors. The DOD has implemented an Authorized Provider Partnership Program, which provides support and training to VSOs. This program allows organizations to augment the legislated two-person uniformed member detail and provide additional elements for the veteran's funeral. The veteran's service branch representative will present the flag as required by law.