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

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/.