Planning Veteran Funerals with Military Honors Guide

When a veteran passes away, honoring their service is more than a ceremonial act; it is a promise to remember and respect the sacrifice they made for their country. Planning a veteran’s funeral requires attention to military tradition, eligibility requirements, and the heartfelt desire to give them the dignified farewell they have earned. For families arranging cremation services in Chaska, MN, this guide offers clarity on how to navigate the process with honor and care. 

Veteran funeral services blend reverence, symbolism, and personalized tributes. Whether choosing burial or cremation, families are entitled to several benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and other military branches. Understanding these benefits ensures that no opportunity to honor a veteran’s legacy is missed. 

Understanding Veteran Funeral Benefits 

The United States Department of Veterans Affairs provides a range of benefits to eligible veterans, including: 

• A burial flag presented to the next of kin 
• A Presidential Memorial Certificate signed by the current U.S. President 
• A government-issued headstone or grave marker 
• Free burial in a national or state veterans cemetery 
• Military funeral honors performed by a detail from the Armed Forces 

These benefits are provided at no cost to the family, though arrangements often need to be initiated through the funeral home or directly with the VA. Funeral directors who specialize in military services can guide families through the paperwork and protocols to ensure these benefits are fully utilized. 

Eligibility for Military Honors and VA Funeral Benefits 

Veterans who served in the U.S. Armed Forces and received a discharge other than dishonorable are generally eligible for military funeral honors. This includes service members from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. Reservists and National Guard members may also qualify under specific conditions. 

Required documentation includes: 

• A copy of the DD Form 214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) 
• Proof of honorable or general discharge 
• Death certificate and funeral home details 

Funeral professionals experienced in cremation services in Chaska, MN can assist with obtaining or verifying documents if families do not have immediate access. 

Military Funeral Honors: What to Expect 

The core elements of military funeral honors are solemn and symbolic. They typically include: 

• Folding and presentation of the American flag: Two military personnel conduct the ceremonial folding and present the flag to the next of kin with deep respect. 
• Playing of Taps: This final bugle call, either live or recorded, signifies farewell and eternal rest. 
• Rifle volley (optional): In full honors funerals, a rifle team may fire three volleys in tribute. 
• Honor guard attendance: A minimum of two uniformed service members, with at least one from the deceased’s military branch, participate. 

For cremation services, these honors can be conducted before the cremation takes place or during a memorial service held at a later date. 

Cremation and Veteran Funeral Services 

Cremation is increasingly chosen by veterans and their families due to its flexibility, simplicity, and dignity. The VA allows full funeral honors for cremated remains, ensuring that service members are recognized regardless of final disposition. 

Benefits for cremated veterans include: 

• Interment in a national or state veterans cemetery with a niche or urn plot 
• Full military honors during the interment or memorial service 
• Placement of a government-furnished urn marker or plaque 
• Eligibility for spouse and dependent burial in the same cemetery 

This allows families to combine the practical benefits of cremation with meaningful tributes that reflect military values and personal memories. 

Choosing Personalized and Patriotic Touches 

Beyond official honors, many families wish to add personal details that celebrate the veteran’s character, service, and passions. These might include: 

• Displaying medals, uniforms, or military portraits 
• Playing military branch songs or favorite personal music 
• Including readings or prayers that reflect faith or values 
• Encouraging guests to wear patriotic colors or symbols 
• Creating photo slideshows of both service years and post-service life 

These personal elements ensure that the funeral reflects the veteran’s whole story, not just their military record, but their humanity, humor, and relationships. 

Pet Memorials That Offer Comfort and Healing After Loss 

While this guide focuses on veteran honors, it is also important to remember that grief and remembrance are not limited to human bonds. Many veterans shared deep, loyal connections with their pets, especially service animals or companion animals who brought emotional support after deployment. In some cases, families include pet memorials that offer comfort and healing after loss, honoring the special relationships that shaped the veteran’s final years. 

Small gestures such as including a favorite pet photo in a tribute video, sharing stories of their bond, or even holding a pet memorial before or after the service can bring added healing and reflection. 

Planning a Service at a National or State Veterans Cemetery 

Minnesota is home to several state and national cemeteries that accept veteran interments. These cemeteries offer beautifully maintained grounds, solemn spaces for reflection, and full access to VA burial benefits. Availability may vary, so early coordination is encouraged. 

Funeral directors typically help schedule: 

• The interment date 
• Coordination with the honor guard 
• Headstone or plaque ordering 
• Floral and memorial display arrangements 

For cremated remains, families may choose in-ground burial, columbarium placement, or take the ashes home in a personalized urn after services. 

Supporting the Family After the Ceremony 

Grief does not end with a funeral, it often begins in earnest afterward. Families of veterans, especially spouses or children, may experience complex emotions including pride, sorrow, unresolved memories, and even PTSD-related grief. 

Professional funeral homes offering cremation services in Chaska, MN often partner with grief counselors or provide resources to assist families. Many also coordinate with veterans organizations to offer: 

• Survivor support services 
• Access to bereavement groups 
• Information on VA financial and mental health resources 
• Referrals to clergy or chaplains 

Support that continues beyond the day of the service ensures families are not alone during the transition. 

Creating a Lasting Tribute 

Some families wish to establish long-term ways to honor a veteran’s legacy. These can be as simple or involved as desired: 

• Donating to a military charity in their name 
• Creating a scholarship fund for local students 
• Installing a bench, tree, or plaque in a park or school 
• Commissioning a memorial flag case or military shadow box 
• Gathering annually for a remembrance ceremony 

These tributes transform grief into purpose and carry the memory of the veteran forward for generations. 

Honoring Service with Heart and Dignity 

Planning a veteran funeral is a profound responsibility and privilege. It is a chance to acknowledge courage, sacrifice, and love for a country in a way that brings healing to the family and honor to the departed. 

For families seeking cremation services in Chaska, MN, veteran funeral planning offers both structure and flexibility, allowing room for tradition and personal expression. With the right guidance, it is possible to create a farewell that is respectful, memorable, and filled with meaning. 

To begin planning a veteran service that honors both military duty and personal legacy, visit the Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation website. Their team is dedicated to guiding families with compassion, clarity, and care.