The Department of Defense is responsible for providing military funeral honors.The basic military funeral honors ceremony consists of the folding and presentation of the United States flag to the family of the veteran and the playing of Taps.
The ceremony is performed by a funeral honors detail consisting of at least two members of the Armed Forces. One member should be of the same branch, but in the event one is not available, members of any branch can conduct honors.
There are two standard types of services, based on eligibility:
Local veterans service organizations like Elgin American Legion Post 57 can also assist in rendering honors and providing a 21-gun salute.
A Presidential Memorial Certificate is an engraved paper certificate, signed by the current President, to honor the memory of the deceased veterans who are eligible for burial in a national cemetery.
The program began in 1962 with President John F. Kennedy, and all subsequent presidents have continued it. We can assist you with applying for a certificate.