Military funeral program template

Military honors in the order of service

Military funeral honors usually come at the end of the service or at the graveside. On the program, list them as one line, such as “Military funeral honors: folding and presentation of the flag, Taps”, and name who receives the flag if the family wishes. A rifle volley is often performed by a veterans group such as the VFW or American Legion, so it is worth asking the funeral director who will attend. Other parts some families add are the posting of the colors at the start, a reading of the veteran’s service record, and words from someone who served with them.

What to put on the cover

Most military programs put the rank and branch on the line under the name, with “Retired” or the years of service if the family wants them. The heading can be a phrase such as “In honored memory” or a branch motto. Inside, the life story usually covers where and when they served, any deployments, and the life they built afterward. For wording, see the veteran examples on obituary examples for father.

All three designs here also work for a non-military service if you change the heading and leave the rank line empty. For every program design, see funeral program template.

Questions families ask

How do I request military funeral honors?

The funeral director usually requests them for the family. Every eligible veteran can receive at least the folding and presentation of the flag and Taps, by two uniformed service members. The family will need the veteran's discharge papers, usually the DD Form 214.

Can I use the official branch emblem on the program?

Official seals and emblems are protected, and using them needs permission from the branch. Our designs use stars, a folded flag and laurel instead, which say the same thing without the paperwork.

How do I write the rank on the program?

Write it out in full on the cover, such as "Master Sergeant, U.S. Air Force, Retired". In the order of service, the short form ("MSgt (Ret.)") is fine for speakers.