When we lose a loved one, we want to arrange services for them that honor and show our love and respect for them. This is especially true if they had served in the military. We want to ensure we hold services that not only express our love, but also show the highest level of respect and dignity as they spend their life protecting ours. If you have a loved one who was in the military and are making arrangements with funeral homes in Elba, NY, here are some ideas you can include to be sure they are honored properly. 

Military Honors 

Under the National Defense Act, those who served in the military are entitled to receive free military honors. This includes those who passed away during their active-duty service as well as veterans and those who have retired. What type of services are offered will depend on how long their military career was as well as what type of service they were in. Most all who served will receive at the minimum a flag ceremony, presentation of the flag to the family as well as the playing of Taps. 

• Flag ceremony – This is a process where the soldiers will fold the flag of the United States. It is folded into the shape of a triangle with the stars visible on the outside. 
• Presentation of the flag to the family – After the flag is folded, the representative from the military will present it to the spouse, child, parent, or next of kin and thank them for their loved one’s service. 
• The playing of Taps – This melody is played on a bugle or trumpet and is also called by the names “Butterfly’s Lullaby” as well as “Day is Done”.

Additional Ways to Pay Tribute 

If you would like to add additional elements to honor your loved one who served, you could include some of the following ideas into their services: 

• Customize the Guest Book – The guest book is where those guests who attend the service write their messages they would like for the family. This is a book that often times the family will retain as a keepsake. This makes a great item to personalize for your loved one. You can do so by adding their military ribbons, covering it with fabric from their uniform or creating another special cover for it.   
• Create a Table Display – Create a military display using your loved one’s military mementos such as medals, achievements, and photographs to show off their time in the service. 
• Create a Video Display – You can also create a video tribute to be played during the service that shows their military career. Include photographs, medals, and highlights of their time served. 

Final Thoughts 

Those who served in the military spend their life making sure ours was safe. They deserve the highest honors we can provide. When making arrangements with funeral homes in Elba, NY, for their services, make sure you let the funeral director know they served in the military. Working together with the director you can ensure your loved one will receive the honors and tributes they deserve.