My dad is having a military funeral..with full honors, What exactly is that?

Question

I mean.. what will they be doing?

Answer 1

Full military honors includes the folding and presentation of your dad's American flag to his family, a bugler to play taps, and 3 rifles for the salute, and that is the bare minimum the service is required to provide. If there are more personnel available, they have the option to send more (pall bearers, 7 rifles instead of 3, etc). Hope this helped.

Edited to add: The poster that told you that there would be a horse-drawn caisson at your father's funeral is completely incorrect. That is NOT required at a military funeral, and is very rare to see it happen due to funding constraints and personnel availability.

Answer 2

All depends where your father is being buried. If he was on Active duty and died while on active duty, he might be buried at Arlington. If he's getting a civilian funeral with military honors, he'll get a 21 Gun Salute and his nok (next of kin) will get the folded flag.

First the Priest, Minister, etc will do his stuff and the funeral detail will then go to the casket/urn and table-top the flag. As the flag is tabled-topped, Taps is played followed by the 21 Gun Salute. When the firing is over with, the two personnel will then fold the flag. Last is the presentation.

Answer 3

The casket will have a US flag over it. At the grave sight the honor guard will fire rifle shots up into the air and then they will fold the flag and give it to the next of kin which should be your mother or oldest child. There will also be a bugle sounding TAPS as well. This will be done by the military or a veteran's group depending on where your father will be laid to rest at. It is a way for the US military to show respect for the fallen member or veteran. You can also ask that the Patriot Guard be there also. Sorry to here of your loss.

Answer 4

My Dad received a military funeral. There was a 21 gun salute, which means the 7 military honor guard shot there guns a series of 3 times, "Taps" was played afterward by a bugle player, a U.S. flag was draped over the coffin during the ceremony, folded into 3rds by 2 officers and handed to me which I've encased and have as a keepsake, and a bronze military plaque was later placed at his gravesite.

I'm sorry to hear about your loss and wish you the best.

Answer 5

It means that horses will lead the caisson that carries your Dad's body to the grave site. After words have been spoken, there will be a 21 gun salute. Don't expect them to fire 21 times, there are 7 soldiers who fire 3 times. Then the military pall bearers will fold the American Flag. That is really nice. Then the Flag will be presented to your Mom. Then Taps will be played. Very moving. It is a very nice service to thank your family for your Fathers service to his country. I am sorry for your loss. I hope this helps.

Answer 6

The service will include honor guards, taps, a 21-gun salute, and a folded flag will be presented to your mother at the end of the service. It is a great tribute to your father for having served his country. My condolences to your family.

Answer 7

There are plenty of others here that have it right... flag draped coffin, 21 shots fired, taps... it's a very nice service. I wanted to thank you for your fathers service and tell you how sorry I am for your loss.

Answer 8

They will put a flag over his casket, shoot the guns in his honor and salute him for protecting his country!!!!!! I thank him for that sorry for your loss

Answer 9

It means the millitary is going to put on a big show as a sign of respect and thanks. 21 gun salute, flags, etc.
Sorry about your dad. Thanks for his service. God Bless him.

Answer 10

your family is in our prayers