Cremation Services Traditions at Military Funerals

Military funerals, paid for by the Department Of Defense, are a meaningful way of commemorating a soldier's life and sacrifice, whether it was a young person killed in the line of duty, or an elderly veteran who fought and lived to tell the tale. In America, there are several evocative traditions and customs that date back to our army's inception. While this is a very sad time for all, it's easy to see why every fallen soldier was an incredible, strong, disciplined and self-sacrificing individual.

Traditionally, the coffin is brought by a hearse (unless the soldier was a high ranking official), with the coffin draped in a US flag. This tradition started during the Napoleonic Wars (1796-1815). When carrying the dead from the battlefield, they were covered with a flag for dignity. In military funerals, the blue is placed at the head and over the left shoulder, while no part is allowed to touch the ground. A representative from the military will fold and present the next of kin with the American Flag, with the words, "As a representative of the United States Army, it is my high privilege to present you this flag. Let it be a symbol of the grateful appreciation this nation feels for the distinguished service rendered to our country and our flag by your loved one."

At the gravesite, a gun salute is given to high ranking officers and officials or a 3-volley salute is fired. This tradition stems from the act of stopping fighting to remove the dead from the battlefield. To resume fighting, the armies would fire three volleys to indicate that the dead have been taken care of and the fighting may resume. With the Navy, a cannon may be fired. This custom symbolizes how during combat, when a cannon fires, it partially disarms the ship, and so the cannon is fired at certain military funerals to represent trust and respect.

Sometimes music is present, like bagpipes, upon request. Other times, "Taps" is played via bugle or recording during the final salute. In 1862, bugler Oliver Wilcox Norton relayed playing his rendition of this emotional tune, "The music was beautiful on that still summer night and was heard far beyond the limits of our Brigade. The next day I was visited by several buglers from neighboring Brigades, asking for copies of the music which I gladly furnished. The call was gradually taken up through the Army of the Potomac." This part of the military funeral ceremony always strikes a chord with attendees.

The soldier may be buried in one of the Veteran Affairs' 125+ cemeteries, or the soldier may be buried in a family plot. Sometimes a headstone or marker is provided by the VA as well. It's striking to see people who didn't even know the deceased arriving at the site or standing with their hands over their hearts as the procession goes by. Military funerals are one last salute to someone who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom and in some small way, those customs and traditions soothe the aching soul.

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