How to Plan a Touching Military Funeral for a Fallen Service Member

By: VGFS
Sunday, October 31, 2021

At Vaughn C. Greene Funeral Services, our legacy of service to others is a source of great pride. In times of loss, we are deeply honored to provide distinguished care for the brave men and women of the United States Armed Forces and their family members.

We offer a level of compassionate support that is unmatched in the Baltimore area and extend many distinctive benefits to military veterans and their loved ones. Here are a few of the special ways that we can assist you in creating a moving ceremony that is fit for a hero.

Assistance in securing and coordinating veterans’ burial benefits                                                        

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers a number of funeral and related benefits. They are not granted automatically and must be requested in advance, typically through applications and forms outlining service history and burial intent. The submittal process can be time-consuming and complex, but we have many years of planning funerals for veterans and it is our pleasure to assist you. In addition to coordinating the military funeral service itself, we can help to secure any or all of these benefits:

  • A military honors ceremony. Upon the request of the family, the U.S. Department of Defense is legally required to give every eligible veteran a free military funeral honors ceremony. This includes folding and presenting the United States burial flag to the next of kin; a rifle salute; the playing of Taps; and honors detail with two or more uniformed military persons.
  • Burial in a veteran’s cemetery. Any member of the U.S. Armed Forces who die while on active duty or any veteran who was discharged under conditions other than dishonorable is entitled to burial or inurnment in VA national or state cemetery. This burial benefit includes a gravesite; opening and closing of the grave; a grave liner for casketed remains; a government-provided headstone or marker; and perpetual care at no cost to the family.
  • A headstone or marker for any cemetery. Upon request, the VA will furnish a government headstone or marker for the grave of the eligible deceased veteran in any cemetery at no cost.
  • Presidential memorial certificate. This gold-embossed paper certificate, signed by the current U.S. President, honors the memory of honorably discharged veterans. It is a beautiful, enduring reminder of your loved one’s service to our country.

Reduced funeral service pricing

Vaughn Greene Funeral Services extends a discount on services for all members of the U.S. military (active, reserves, National Guard), retirees, and veterans. It is our way of showing our appreciation for their bravery and selfless sacrifices.

Personalized veterans’ selections                                                                                          

Our firm offers a wide range of products, such as caskets, urns, and memorial merchandise, that can be personalized to reflect the extraordinary life of your special service member.

Guidance in creating a military-themed event 

Honoring your loved one’s service to our nation can extend throughout many aspects of the funeral or memorial service. From funeral programs and memory cards emblazoned with patriotic designs to decorations that reflect specific branches of the service, there are many ways to subtly create a patriotic ambiance. You could recite special military poems or play theme songs for his or her branch of service during the repast. Or you may prefer to display your loved one’s medals, uniforms, pictures, and various achievements from his or her time in service. There are numerous options for highlighting your serviceperson’s military involvement and our experienced funeral professionals can help you create a moving tribute.

The story of every veteran’s life deserves to be celebrated. When you need to make arrangements for a beloved member of the Armed Forces, you deserve superior care that’s backed by a tradition of excellence. At Vaughn Greene Funeral Services, we consider it a great privilege to provide members of the U.S. military and their families with professional, dignified assistance during times of loss.

We’re here to support you in honoring your loved one’s allegiance and service to our nation. If you have questions or need to make funeral arrangements, please contact our caring professionals. We appreciate the opportunity to serve you.

About Vaughn Greene Funeral Services: For more than 20 years, Vaughn Greene Funeral Services has been providing a ministry of care to Baltimore’s African American community. As a leading local, minority- and family-owned provider, we promise to provide our highest level of service and respect to families who entrust us to honor their loved ones. For more information, please call us at 410.655.0015 or visit us online at https://vaughncgreene.com/.

Leave a comment
Name*:
Email:
Comment*:
Please enter the numbers and letters you see in the image. Note that the case of the letters entered matters.

Comments

Please wait

Previous Posts

How Much Do You Really Know About Cold and Flu Season?

The chill of winter is in the air, and that means the cold and flu season can’t be far behind. You may think you're savvy about avoiding seasonal illnesses, but how much do you really know about h...

Funeral Food Fusion: Seven Tips for Combining Comfort and Culture

Through the act of breaking bread together, funeral food becomes a symbol of shared grief and strength. Amid loss, food is often used as a way to connect with one another, express sympathy, and he...

Military Funeral Traditions: Seven Ways to Remember America's Heroes on Veterans’ Day

Veterans’ Day presents an opportunity to express gratitude for those who have selflessly served in the United States armed forces. To ensure that the memory of these heroes lives on, it's fitting ...

The Best and Worst Sources of Protein, According to Nutritional Experts

From plant-based to animal-derived, sources of protein range from exceptional to the less-than-ideal. In the world of nutrition, protein is an undisputed superhero. It is essential for building mu...

Coping With Grief After Sudden Loss? Here are Seven Important Things to Know

Grief can engulf us when we least expect it, especially after the sudden loss of a loved one. This kind of grief is uniquely intense, plunging us into a confusing world where everything feels unfa...

Plan a Memorable Final Farewell with these Smart Fall Funeral Considerations

Surrounded by autumn's beauty and serenity, fall funeral planning offers special solace to the grieving. With its vibrant leaves and crisp air, autumn brings a sense of comfort, reflection, and no...

Experts Say These Eight Things Can Reduce High Cholesterol Levels

High cholesterol is a common health concern, but the good news is that there are ways to tackle it naturally. Heart disease continues to be a leading cause of death worldwide, and maintaining heal...

Returning to Work After a Loved One Passes: Eight Helpful Coping Strategies

When you are returning to work after a loved one passes away, it can be an emotional journey filled with uncertainty. If the prospect of heading back to your workplace after loss feels overwhelmin...

How Should You Choose the Day and Time of the Funeral?

When bidding farewell to a cherished family member or friend, one of the most significant decisions you’ll face is selecting the appropriate day and time of the funeral. Amid the emotional challen...

Celebrating National Alcohol & Drug Recovery Month

This September we celebrate National Alcohol & Drug Addiction Recovery Month. Starting in 1989, National Recovery Month was coined to promote and support evidence-based treatment and recovery...