I know this may sound like an odd question, but this is my first time attending a Military funeral. Last Sunday my cousin Senior Airman Daniel B. Miller Jr. was killed in Iraq, to make a long story short he will be flown back here to Illinois on Sunday and his funeral is on Wednesday. My question, what should I wear to his funeral? I ask simply because in my family as long as your dressed nicely, it doesn't have to be a suit and tie, it is fine. But is it more appropriate and formal to go to his funeral in a suit & tie? Thank you.
2007-01-12 21:56:33 · 16 answers · asked by Drew 5 in Politics & Government ➔ Military
get your best suit and tie on, you are paying your last respect and as a soldier being buried, he deserves that respect.
sorry for your loss.
i hope that your cousin is getting the full honor burial he has earned to have. please pass on for your family to make sure to file with the air force to have headstone or marker for him that
is issued by the military for him.
i will try to find the poem "the final inspection" for your family.
The Final Inspection
Author: Author Unknown
The soldier stood and faced his God,
which must always come to pass.
He hopes his shoes were shining
just as brightly as his brass.
"Step forward now, soldier.
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To my church have you been true?"
The soldier squared his shoulders and said,
"No Lord I guess I ain't.
Because those who carry guns
can't always be a saint.
I've had to work most Sundays,
and at times my talk was rough...
And sometimes I've been violent
because the streets are awful tough.
But I never took a penny
that wasn't mine to keep...
Though I worked alot of overtime
when the bills just got too steep.
And I never passed a cry for help,
though at times I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.
I know I don't deserve a place
among the people here.
They never wanted me around
except to calm there fear.
If you've a place for me here,
Lord, it needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
but if you don't... i understand."
There was silence all around the throne
where the saints had often trod,
as the soldier waited quietly
for the judgement of his God.
"Step forward now, soldier.
You've borne your burdens well.
Come walk a beat on heaven's streets.
You've done your time in hell."
the author is unknown and i like this one
may god bless your cousin and your family
2007-01-12 23:27:20 · answer #1 · answered by sharma 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
A suit and tie would be most appropriate. If you don't wear a tie then at least wear some sort of suit type jacket. However, your being there is more important that what you are wearing so wear what you would consider to be respectful and attend the funeral.
As others have mentioned, the honor guard will be in their dress uniforms.
2007-01-13 04:45:06 · answer #2 · answered by k3s793 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I do not think there are any particular definite rules for attire of civilians attending military funerals. There are rules for the military which are Full Dress Uniforms for the Honor
Guard and Official Party and least Service Dress Uniforms for other military attending but not actually participating in the ceremony. Service Dress Uniform is roughly equivalent to suit and tie for a civilian. Your personal customs and faith should also be considered; i.e. what would you normally wear to your religious services? Even military funerals are religious services.
Finally, remember your cousin; what would he expect you to do? Remember that your are honoring him and behaving in a way to be supportive of his immediate family.
2007-01-12 23:42:20 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
In a situation as serious as that, it is appropriate to wear the best clothes that you have, for the majority of the people, that is a suit. If you do not own a suit, at least wear good, dark slacks, with a tie.
2007-01-13 00:48:38 · answer #4 · answered by The_moondog 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My deepest sympathy to you and your family!!
If you were in the military at one time sometimes its an honor to honor him with wearing your uniform,,, but dress up,, but if the family is not the type to dress up then you might stick out with suit and tie formal wear. But if you want to do a suit and tie to honor him then its your call.
Best funeral I saw, everyone wore Hawaiian shirts and attire because it was what he always wore!!
2007-01-13 01:06:49 · answer #5 · answered by kitkatish1962 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes it is more appropriate to attend wearing a suit and tie. But, if it seems unnecessary to you, then use your own judgment. Something in dark colours is usually the norm.
2007-01-13 12:24:31 · answer #6 · answered by castle h 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First of all let me express my condolences and grief at your family's loss.. There are no more words.
Wear the best clothes you've got - if its a suit and tie fine if not, dark slacks, white shirt and nice tie. You are honoring a man who served his country and comrades. God Bless....
2007-01-13 04:13:15 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
My sympathies to you and your family. To answer your question, I would wear a suit and tie. He went the extra mile for you and his country. pay him the proper respect that he deserves by wearing your best and going the "extra" for him. God Bless!
2007-01-13 13:36:23 · answer #8 · answered by SGT. D 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you can wear a suit and a tie, the military honor guard will be in uniform
2007-01-12 22:02:24 · answer #9 · answered by paki 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Suit and tie would be nice, but I would leave it up to your family.
2007-01-12 22:05:20 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋