The Department of Defense (DOD) is responsible for providing dignified military funeral honors for eligible Veterans who have defended our nation.

Upon a family's request, Public Law 106-65 requires that every eligible Veteran receive a military funeral honors ceremony, to include folding and presenting the United States burial flag and the playing of Taps. The law defines a military funeral honors detail as consisting of two or more uniformed military persons, with at least one being a member of the Veteran's parent service of the armed forces. The DOD program calls for funeral home directors to request military funeral honors on behalf of the Veteran's family. However, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) National Cemetery Administration cemetery staff can also assist with arranging military funeral honors at VA national cemeteries. Veterans' organizations may also assist in providing military funeral honors. When military funeral honors at a national cemetery are desired, they are arranged prior to the committal service by the funeral home.

The DOD began implementing the program for providing military funeral honors for eligible Veterans as enacted in Section 578 of Public Law 106-65 of the National Defense Authorization Act for FY 2000 on January 1, 2000.

Please direct questions or comments concerning the DOD military funeral honors program to the address listed below or visit the military funeral honors website at: www.militaryfuneralhonors.osd.mil.

The Pentagon

Room 3A750

Washington DC 20301-1400