Military honors

**PiobBear** · 19th February 10, 10:38 AM

FYI for pipers that might find themselves in a similar situation...

Just piped a memorial service for a family that had a direct cremation; no funeral director; they planned the whole thing on their own. No one told them (until I did) that their Dad was entitled to a military honor guard, "Taps", and an American flag at no charge. I emailed them the Flag Request Form to take to their Post Office, and a Military Honors Request Form from the Florida National Guard. They were quite grateful for the tip, and their Dad got the respect he deserved.

**Santa Kona** · 19th February 10, 10:44 AM

Great Information Thanks for Sharing It.

**Scott West** · 19th February 10, 11:00 AM

Outstanding, and good to know - thanks!

**KiltedChief** · 19th February 10, 01:03 PM

Awesome! There are so many ex military that gets buried without military honors simply becuase the family does not know. You did a great service. Sir!

**MacBean** · 19th February 10, 03:08 PM

Are these honors available for all US military who were discharged honorably?

**dfmacliam** · 19th February 10, 08:55 PM

You can also contact the local Patriot Guard for a full motorcycle escort... usually full of vets honoring a brother... or non Vets, honoring Vets...I have ridden in funerals for many, and had them at my Fathers funeral... it meant the world to my family, to have about 50 men, women, and at times, children, holding flags outside the church and at the cemetary...

**The Thing** · 19th February 10, 11:11 PM

It's always fantastic to honour those who serve their country. You are right most famalies wouldn't have a clue that their loved one is entitled to drape the flag over the coffin. I was at a funeral a few months back and the undertakers whilst being respectful didn't know how to fold the flag properly, having participated in a few Military funerals myself, it was evident to my eye but the family in their grief probably wouldn't have been able to tell the difference.

**Jock Scot** · 20th February 10, 02:44 AM

Originally Posted by peacekeeper83

You can also contact the local Patriot Guard for a full motorcycle escort... usually full of vets honoring a brother... or non Vets, honoring Vets...I have ridden in funerals for many, and had them at my Fathers funeral... it meant the world to my family, to have about 50 men, women, and at times, children, holding flags outside the church and at the cemetary...

I hope you don't mind me asking, but would the local Patriot Guard, if asked nicely, turn out for a funeral of a retired British serviceman who has taken up residence in the USA? I am sorry to say that I have a potential situation in the near future where a lonely Brit could do with a few friends for his final journey in this world. Just thinking ahead that is all. Thank you.

**dfmacliam** · 20th February 10, 03:33 AM

I cannot see why not..... If you like, PM me, and I can find out whatever options you feel is important... I am from a military family with representation mainly from the UK...

**Jock Scot** · 20th February 10, 04:17 AM

Originally Posted by peacekeeper83

I cannot see why not..... If you like, PM me, and I can find out whatever options you feel is important... I am from a military family with representation mainly from the UK...

PM sent, and thank you for that.