All Articles & Guides / End of Life / Ways You Can Honor a Deceased Veteran
Ways You Can Honor a Deceased Veteran
There are many ways to create tributes and honor deceased veterans, whether it’s by hosting a memorial or celebration of life, or by choosing a customized urn. Here are some options on how to acknowledge a veteran’s service in thoughtful ways.
Host a Memorial Service
A memorial service is a wonderful way to gather family and friends to share memories or stories about a lost loved one. Including a patriotic theme in a service can help honor a deceased veteran, and by integrating aspects from both sides of their lives, you can paint a full picture of a lost loved one’s story.
Share Your Veteran’s Stories
While it’s hard to imagine what a veteran experienced during their time of service, it’s important to recognize their accomplishments both personally and professionally. One way to do that is to share favorite memories and stories. You can compile these treasured moments into a formatted memoir storybook or invite speakers to verbalize their special moments at a memorial service. You can even ask those who served with your loved one to share their favorite memories or stories about their experiences together.
Choose a Patriotic Urn for Ashes
From American flags to ammo cans or bald eagle urns, there are a variety of personalization and urn choices that can display patriotism and nod to a veteran’s service and commitment to their country.
Another option for keeping a deceased veteran close to your heart is to make use of cremation jewelry and place a small portion of ashes into a pendant. Discreet pendants can be worn by anyone, and many have options to for customizations like initials, dates, or other engravings.
Request Military Honors
One of the best ways to ensure a veteran is recognized for their devotion is to request military funeral honors on behalf of a Veteran’s family from the National Cemetery or a local group. Military honors will include an honor guard detail of two or more members of the U.S. armed forces. The ceremony includes the playing of the taps and the folding and presentation of an American flag to the next of kin.
Display a Flag
At burials, a flag is used to drape across a casket or accompany the urn of a deceased veteran. These are provided at no cost by Veterans Affairs. Another option is to encase a flag for display.
Create Memorial Cards
If you’re hosting a funeral or memorial event, creating patriotic memorial cards can be a way to honor a veteran’s memory while paying tribute to their time served. Memorial cards can be customized with photos, quotes, and personal details. They can also be a way to keep a lost loved one close for those that don’t wear jewelry, since they’re designed to fit a wallet.
Donate or Volunteer
There are a number of charities and organizations that you can make contributions to, either through a monetary donation or by volunteering your time. Organizations that help veterans, military families, or those that have been impacted by a veteran's passing, will offer ways to get involved and show your support.
If a Veteran Dies, Who Pays for the Funeral?
If a veteran passes, the cost of their funeral can sometimes be covered by Veteran’s Affairs (VA), depending on a few qualifiers. Partial to full compensation may be possible., and there are a variety of resources to reference to see eligibility and for compensation. Some of these include:
Who is eligible for VA burial benefits?
To be eligible for burial in a VA national cemetery, the service member must have either died while on active duty, on active duty for training, or on inactive duty for training. However, eligibility is not only for veterans – this benefit extends to service members, spouses, and dependents as long as they meet the requirements. More information on burials can be found on the Veteran’s Affairs eligibility page.
There is also a veteran survivor’s pension that may provide support to qualified surviving spouses or children. You can find out if you qualify and follow the application steps at the U.S. Department of Veteran’s Affairs.
When a veteran passes, you will want to know that their legacy lives on and you will want to highlight their selfless acts. Make sure to honor both their personal triumphs as well
Related Content
