Special Funeral Services for Military Personnel: How Veterans Are Honoured? 

The passing of a veteran is a solemn and emotional time, especially for their family and loved ones.

Honouring their life of service through a thoughtful military funeral solution is one way to recognise their sacrifice. By considering funeral services in Dunstable, you will pay tribute to their legacy.

Understanding how to best commemorate a veteran's life can provide comfort and meaning for all who cherish it. With gratitude and compassion, people remember those who served their country.

Different Types of Military Funeral Services

The military offers various types of funeral solutions depending on the veteran's ranking and wishes. While each service contains unique elements, they share the common theme of celebrating a life of service. 

Full Military Funeral Honours

The full honours funeral is reserved for soldiers who died during active duty. This service features the most elaborate rituals the military can provide. It is the highest way the military can honour a service member's sacrifice.

Full military funerals begin with a funeral procession involving service members escorting the casket draped with the flag. A military band may play solemn music to set the tone. The deceased's unit insignia colours are prominently displayed on the casket as well.

A caisson pulled by horses often transports the casket to the burial site. The horses are accompanied by an honour guard detail holding the flag. Bagpipers or other military musicians may join the procession. 

The funeral solution itself also follows strict military procedures. A chaplain offers prayers while a colour team conducts ceremonial drills around the casket. Following the service, a 21-gun salute is performed by riflemen or artillery.

After the funeral, the casket receives transport to the gravesite or crematorium with full military honours. The flag is then folded and presented to the next of kin by a member of the colour guard.

Standard Military Funeral Honours

It is for honourably discharged veterans and retirees from the armed forces. Many elements of the full honours service may be included depending on the wishes of the family.

At a minimum, the standard funeral will feature:

•      The folding and presentation of the flag
•      “Taps” playing and
•      A two-person uniformed honour guard detail.

Up to a 7-person firing party for the three-volley salute may also be requested.

Other options can include:

•      A chapel service with the military chaplain
•      Casket bearers from the veteran's military branch
•      Military vehicles for the procession and
•      Pallbearers to carry the casket.

Families work closely with military protocol officers to coordinate the appropriate elements.

Graveside Funeral Service

For families opting for direct burial or cremation, a graveside military funeral service can be arranged. The ceremony takes place at the gravesite rather than holding a full chapel service first.

At a minimum, graveside honours include the folding and presentation of the flag and the playing of "Taps." Up to two uniformed members of the honour guard may be dispatched to perform the honours.

Families can also request additional ceremonies like a three-volley salute, military chaplain prayers, or military casket bearers. However, the full honours procession with military vehicles and marching band is only done prior to a chapel service.

Regardless of the type of military funeral service selected, each aims to respectfully honour those who served their country. Coordinating with funeral directors and military protocol officers ensures the appropriate options are personalised for the veteran.

The Role of Military Funeral Directors

Military funeral service providers play a critical role in planning and coordinating funeral services in Dunstable for veterans. They help simplify a complex process for grieving families.

A key responsibility of service providers is interfacing with government agencies and branches of the military on the family's behalf. They ensure the required documentation, protocol approvals, transportation logistics, and other details are handled appropriately.

The funeral director will guide the family through options for funeral solutions and explain the elements involved in each. This includes everything from the wash and dress of the body to the type of casket or urn selected. They ensure the family's wishes are carried out with dignity.

For families opting for cremation, directors can advise on approved urns for storing cremated remains in columbaria at military cemeteries. They will also inform families if the veteran is eligible for burial at specific national cemeteries.

Additionally, directors assist families in applying for burial benefits available to veterans like burial flags, military funeral honours etc. They submit all necessary paperwork and liaise with the military on the family’s behalf.

The funeral director also coordinates the customs and traditions unique to military funerals. This includes arranging the funeral procession, honour guard, gun salute, musical tributes, chaplain prayers, and flag presentation. A knowledgeable director understands proper military funeral protocols.

Choosing a funeral director experienced in military traditions ensures everything is handled with care and precision. They can accommodate the special needs of a military service while guiding families gently through their grief.

Conclusion

Honouring military personnel through thoughtful military funeral services in Dunstable is vital. It is a meaningful way to pay tribute to their legacy of service and sacrifice. The ceremonial traditions, customs, and rituals provide comfort, structure, and significance for communities mourning the loss of a veteran.

By choosing a funeral service provider well-versed in military protocols, families can personalise services for their veterans dignifiedly. Their legacy lives on through the people and nation they fought valiantly to defend.