Honoring Those Who Served on Behalf of a Grateful Nation
Operational since July 1, 1999, the Missouri Military Funeral Honors Program is a cooperative effort between the Missouri Army and Air National Guard, active components of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard, Veterans Service Organizations, and Funeral Directors.
Our goal is to provide the right service, at the right time, in the right place, with the right team, 100 percent of the time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are Military Funeral Honors?
Military Funeral Honors are the ceremonial paying of respect and the final demonstration of the country’s gratitude to those who, in times of war and peace, faithfully defended our nation. The ceremony consists of, at minimum, the folding and presentation of the American flag and the sounding of “Taps” by a detail of two uniformed members of the military services.
At least one of the detail’s members shall be from the parent service of the eligible beneficiary. Missouri veterans normally receive a Three-Volley Rifle Salute, sounding of “Taps,” and flag folding and presentation.
Active duty members and military retirees are entitled to additional honors.
What are Military Funeral Honors?
Deceased active duty, National Guard and Reserve members, military retirees, and veterans who served under honorable conditions are eligible for Military Funeral Honors.
Military Funeral Honors are denied to persons discharged under other than honorable conditions, convicted of a state, federal or capital crime, or when circumstances surrounding the person’s death are such that to provide honors at the funeral or burial of the person would bring discredit upon the military services.
How do I request Military Funeral Honors and how much does it cost?
Request Military Funeral Honors through your Funeral Director. Military Funeral Honors are provided at no cost to you or the Funeral Director.
How do I get a flag for the casket and how much does it cost?
Request a flag through your Funeral Director. Flags are provided at no cost to you or the Funeral Director.
What if we do not want “Taps?”
The family decides whether or not “Taps” is sounded.
What is said during presentation of the flag?
On April 17, 2012 the Secretary of Defense directed the Department of Defense to start using the following standardized verbiage:
“On behalf of the President of the United States, (the United States Army, the United States Marine Corps, the United States Navy, or the United States Air Force), and a grateful Nation, please accept this flag as a symbol of our appreciation for your loved one’s honorable and faithful service”
Who provides Military Funeral Honors?
The family can select either uniformed service members or a veteran’s service organization to present the flag. The Military Funeral Honors Program or active component determines who will provide the rest of the team based on availability of teams. Honors may be provided by any combination of Missouri Army and Air National Guard members, active duty Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, or Coast Guard, retired military members, or Veterans Service Organizations.
How is the Program Funded and can I make a donation?
The Missouri Military Funeral Honors Program is funded by the Missouri National Guard Trust Fund and the National Defense Authorization Act.
Donations to the “Missouri National Guard Trust Fund” may be mailed to the following address:
Office of the Adjutant General
ATTN: Military Funeral Honors
2302 Militia Dr.
Jefferson City, MO 65101-1203
As of 31 December, 2019
- 178,104 Funerals Coordinated since July 1, 1999
- 754 Funerals per month (Calendar Year 2019)
- 25 Funerals per day (Calendar Year 2019)
Coordinated by Branch of Service (Calendar Year 2019)
- 53% Army
- 20% Navy
- 17% Air Force
- 9% Marine Corps
- .8% Army Air Corps
- 1% Coast Guard
- .2% Merchant Marine
Performed by Team (Calendar Year 2019)
(Total exceeds 100% due to combinations of Teams)
- 85% Veterans Service Organizations
- 55% Missouri National Guard
- 44% Active Component
Coordinated by Day of Week (Calendar Year 2019)
- 3% Sunday
- 17% Monday
- 13% Tuesday
- 13% Wednesday
- 13% Thursday
- 24% Friday
- 17% Saturday
Coordinated by Hour of Day (Calendar Year 2019)
- 1.8% Before 10:00 AM
- 12% Between 10:00 and 10:59 AM
- 26% Between 11:00 and 11:59 AM
- 14% Between 12:00 and 12:59 PM
- 19% Between 1:00 and 1:59 PM
- 17% Between 2:00 and 2:59 PM
- 8% Between 3:00 and 3:59 PM
- 3% After 4:00 PM
Funeral Director Information
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