Military Honors by Branch
Every branch of the U.S. Armed Forces honors its fallen with distinct traditions. Know what your veteran is entitled to receive.
Branch
🦅 U.S. Army
Standard Honors
- ★Ceremonial flag folding and presentation to next of kin
- ★Playing of Taps (live bugler or ceremonial)
- ★Two-person uniformed honor guard
- ★Seven-member firing party (volleys of three rounds each) when requested
- ★Caisson procession for eligible burials at Arlington National Cemetery
The Words at Presentation
"On behalf of the President of the United States, the United States Army, and a grateful nation, please accept this flag as a symbol of our appreciation for your loved one's honorable and faithful service."
Branch
⭐ U.S. Marine Corps
Standard Honors
- ★Dress blues honor guard — the USMC's most recognizable uniform
- ★Ceremonial flag folding and presentation
- ★Playing of Taps
- ★Three-volley rifle salute
- ★Marine hymn may be played at request
Semper Fidelis
"Always Faithful" — the Marine Corps motto guides the honor guard's conduct at every military funeral. Marines honor their own with the same discipline and precision they carried throughout their service.
Branch
✈️ U.S. Air Force
Standard Honors
- ★Ceremonial flag folding and presentation
- ★Playing of Taps
- ★Three-volley rifle salute
- ★Missing man formation flyover — for eligible veterans at select locations
- ★"Off We Go Into the Wild Blue Yonder" may be played upon request
The Missing Man Formation
A flight of aircraft passes in formation. One aircraft peels upward and away — representing the final departure of the fallen aviator. It is one of aviation's most powerful and moving traditions.
Branch
🛡️ U.S. Coast Guard
Standard Honors
- ★Ceremonial flag folding and presentation
- ★Playing of Taps
- ★Three-volley rifle salute
- ★Boatswain's call (shared naval tradition)
Semper Paratus
"Always Ready" — Coast Guard veterans served in peacetime and wartime alike, often underrecognized. Their funeral honors carry the full dignity and weight of any branch of the Armed Forces.
Branch
🚀 U.S. Space Force
Standard Honors
- ★Ceremonial flag folding and presentation
- ★Playing of Taps
- ★Three-volley rifle salute
- ★Full military honors consistent with Air Force (Space Force shares AF honor guard protocols)
The Newest Branch
Established in 2019, the Space Force is the newest branch of the U.S. Armed Forces. Its members are entitled to the same burial benefits and military honors as veterans of any other branch.