Veteran Services Explained: Honoring Heroes
Veterans play a crucial role in our society, protecting our freedoms and ensuring our safety. When the time comes to bid farewell to these heroes, veteran services are designed to honor their sacrifices and provide dignified and respectful final rites. Understanding these services can help you appropriately commemorate the life of a veteran with funeral homes in Gulf Breeze, FL.
Veteran Benefits:
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides certain benefits for deceased veterans. These include burial in a national cemetery, a grave marker or headstone, a burial flag, and a Presidential Memorial Certificate. The government maintains National cemeteries and provides a unique resting place for those who serve our country.
Burial:
Veterans, spouses, and dependent children are eligible for burial in a VA national cemetery. This includes a gravesite, opening and closing of the grave, and perpetual care. This service is offered at no expense to the family. The VA partially reimburses the burial and funeral expenses for those preferring a private cemetery.
Markers and Headstones:
Regardless of the burial site (national, state, or private cemetery), the VA provides a government headstone, marker, or medallion that can be affixed to a privately purchased headstone or marker. These markers are a physical testament to the service and sacrifice made by the veteran.
Burial Flag:
The VA also furnishes a burial flag used to drape the casket during the funeral service. Traditionally, The flag is folded as a treasured keepsake for the next of kin or a close associate.
Presidential Memorial Certificate:
A Presidential Memorial Certificate (PMC) is a gold-embossed paper certificate bearing the current President’s signature. This document expresses our nation’s grateful recognition of the veteran’s service.
Military Funeral Honors:
Under the law, military units must provide a military funeral honors ceremony at the family’s request. This features uniformed military personnel and the playing of Taps. The ceremonial folding and presentation of the American flag to the next of kin are also incorporated.
Financial Aid:
Sometimes, the VA provides a burial allowance to help defray funeral expenses. This is typically available for veterans who met specific service requirements and were discharged under conditions apart from dishonorable.
Choosing a Funeral Home:
When choosing a funeral home, selecting one acquainted with veteran funeral services is essential. They will be familiar with applying for benefits and coordinating with the national cemetery or military personnel for the honor ceremony.
In Conclusion:
The brave men and women who served in the military deserve the highest respect and dignity in their final farewell. By understanding the veteran services available, we can ensure that we honor the sacrifices made by these heroes adequately. Whether it’s the acknowledgment provided by a PMC, the honor of a flag-draped casket, or the final resting place in a national cemetery, these elements all commemorate a life dedicated to service, expressing the gratitude of a nation for their commitment and bravery. If you want to learn more about Gulf Breeze, FL, funeral homes, contact our staff at Faith Chapel Funeral Home and Crematory now.
