Veterans Day Services: Honoring Those Who Have Served and Remembering Those We Have Lost
November 14, 2017 8:37 pm Leave your thoughtsIf you have recently lost a loved one who formerly served in the U.S. Armed Services, you may be wondering how you can honor their legacy the best. For families of deceased veterans, there are a number of ceremonies and tools that can be used to enhance the memorial process and showcase the valor of the decedent. There are many ways that you can incorporate your loved one’s military history into their memorial services in Westchester, IL.
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers relatives of deceased veterans a number of programs that can both help them ease the economic burden of funerary expenses and enhance the experience they will receive during their memorial services in Westchester, IL. Reaching out to your funeral planner is the best way to learn about all of the different honors and stipends that may be available to you as you plan your loved one’s funeral:
- Funeral honors: If requested by a surviving family member, all active duty service members and all retired veterans are eligible to receive military honors during their memorial services in Westchester, IL. At least two uniformed service members will present and fold a flag during the service, and a bugler may also appear. Your funeral service director can arrange for these honors. Burial flags are also provided.
- Grave markers: Eligible veterans can have their headstone or grave marker furnished by the VA for them at no charge. Anyone who was honorably discharged is eligible to receive a VA headstone or grave marker, regardless of where they are being buried. Several styles can be selected from the VA, though it is important to remember that all grave markers must be consistent with the cemetery’s rules.
- National and state cemeteries: Many former service members are eligible for internment at a state, federal or VA cemetery. Spaces are allocated as they become available, and are only designated once burial arrangements have been made by the decedent’s surviving loved ones. Discussing the possibility of internment at a public cemetery with the funeral home providing your memorial services in Westchester, IL is important.
- VA memorial benefits: If a soldier dies during active duty, their loved ones are eligible for a stipend that will cover the expenses of their memorial services in Westchester, IL. If you are curious about the eligibility of your family member or loved one, you should discuss your circumstances with your funeral planner to determine if you are in fact eligible for a stipend to cover the costs of your loved one’s burial.
For more than a decade, Marik-Baken Funeral Services Ltd. has been offering the best memorial services in Westchester, IL. You can count on us to deliver a touching celebration of life that honors your loved one’s experiences and military service. We can provide all of the products and services necessary to carry out the decedent’s last wishes, and are here to help you and your family cope during your time of mourning. Contact us today to learn more about our service offerings and to discuss the types of military honors we could incorporate into your loved one’s memorial service.
Categorised in: Memorial Services
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