Your Guide to Military Funerals: Five Ways to Create a Memorable Tribute

Military funerals can offer touching tributes for those who have bravely served our country.  

Members of America’s armed forces make tremendous sacrifices and deserve to be honored, especially during their funeral services. In addition to the standard military honors and burial benefits that eligible veterans can receive, many families choose to incorporate military service elements throughout the funeral in other ways. 

Whether it’s a full honors ceremony or an intimate family gathering, here are five creative ideas for military funerals that pay homage to the life of departed servicemembers.  

Consider a military casket. 

When veterans pass on, many families choose caskets that commemorate their service to our nation. Particular colors, materials, or patriotic designs can be incorporated to represent the military qualities that are central to their lives. Personalization options, such as commemorative panels, medallions, and corner emblems, are also available.

Incorporate their favorite pastimes.  

What were your serviceperson’s favorite hobbies? If your loved one was artistic, your friends and family could create a piece of artwork in their honor to be handed down to future generations. You might also consider incorporating your veteran’s branch of the military through colors or special insignias. Was your servicemember an avid sports fan? Decorate the reception venue with their favorite team’s memorabilia and ask funeral guests to don the team colors. The options are endless for incorporating a person’s passions and interests into their life celebration.

Don’t forget the music. 

Music has a special way of touching our hearts and transporting us in time. Did your veterans play in a band? A live musical accompaniment might be just the thing to honor their memory. Or, if speakers are available at the funeral home, simply plug in your phone or a music-streaming device and share the playlist of the departed’s favorite songs before, during, or after the service. You could also capture the military atmosphere by including some songs from his or her branch of the armed forces, such as “The Wild Blue Yonder” for those who served in the Air Force or “Anchors Aweigh” for Navy veterans.

Put military memorabilia on display.

Your exhibit could take many formats. For example, you could set up a memory table during the visitation showcasing your loved one’s pictures, uniforms, medals, and various achievements from their time in service. This type of exhibit would also be appropriate for display during the reception. 

Pay your respects with a stunning military-themed floral arrangement.

Florists can create stunning patriotic funeral arrangements to honor those who have nobly served their country. From red and white rose arrangements that symbolize unity, to the perseverance represented by blue hydrangeas, there’s sure to be a wreath, casket adornment, bouquet, or centerpiece that perfectly suits your loved one’s memory. Did your loved one have a favorite flower? Be sure to incorporate it into the funeral arrangement.

Members of the U.S. armed forces are heroes and deserve to be memorialized in a special way. Our caring professionals can assist you in celebrating their selfless contributions by transforming ordinary military funerals into deeply meaningful remembrance occasions.  

The dedicated staff at Vaughn Greene Funeral Services is proud to honor our nation’s veterans. We are here to provide you and your family with professional, compassionate support during your time of need. Please reach out to us anytime.

About Vaughn Greene Funeral Services: For more than 25 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 about our funeral, cremation, memorial, repast, and grief counseling services, please call us at 410.655.0015 or visit us online at https://vaughncgreene.com/.