My grandfather passed away. He was a Pearl Harbor vet. Is there anything special we need to do for his funeral

Answer 1

Yes hold a full military funeral with honor guards,21 gun salute,and playing of taps. that is a high honor given to men and women who died serving our country. Get an American flag and drape it over his coffin.

Answer 2

Your Grandfather was a fine American, they do not make many like him anymore. Honor his life and service to his Country will a full military funeral. A Honor Guard should be present to render a gun salute and fold and present his flag to a member of your family while playing taps. My Grandfather served with the USMC in WW II and Korea, when he died a few years ago he was given a full military burial by a USMC Honor Guard. It was one of the saddest days of my life, but one of the proudest moments of my life as well. I have also served on the Color Guard and have attended many funerals for Veterans, each and every one was touching to me as well. I usually was the one to present the flag to the family member. The funeral director should know who to contact to arrange it, if not contact the VFW, AMVETS, American Legion, or any other patriotic organization. Each Military Installation has an Honor Guard and are responsible for a certain area. I was USN and performed funerals for every service. I am sorry for your loss, but be proud of and honor your Grandfathers life.

EDIT: from the USS Arizona Memorial website

"5. How are the bodies of the USS Arizona survivors buried on the ship?

Crewmembers who were assigned to the USS Arizona on December 7, 1941, have the right to have their cremated remains interred inside the barbette of gun turret four by National Park Service divers. If you were a crewmember before that infamous day, you have the right to have your ashes scattered over the ship. In both cases, the common thread is that these men were at one time in their Navy careers assigned to the USS Arizona. This policy is strictly enforced by the USS Arizona Reunion and Survivor Association. (In addition, any Pearl Harbor survivor can have their ashes scattered over the place in the harbor where their ship was located during the attack). On April 12, 1982, the ashes of retired Navy Chief Petty Officer Stanley M. Teslow were interred, becoming the first USS Arizona survivor to return to his ship. By mid 2006, 28 surviving crewmembers have rejoined their shipmates in simple and private ceremonies, complete with a two-bell ceremony from the Fleet Reserve Association; a rifle salute from the Navy or Marine Corps; and a benediction with the echo of Taps being played across the harbor. The services are conducted inside the Memorial and consist of an invocation, funeral ceremony, and a flag presentation to the family. Following the ceremony, the urn is carried from the Memorial to the dock area and .presented to divers, who swim the urn into the open barbette of gun turret number four and proceed to a large open “slot” that measures approximately six inches by five feet. The urn is placed into this slot and slides into the ship."

Not sure if he was a USS ARIZONA Survivor, but at a minimum he is entitled to have is ashes scattered (I hate that word) into the harbor. Having been to Pearl Harbor twice, I would imagine this would be an amazing cermony.

Answer 3

It is a short notice but go to the following website and register, then on the left side of the home page, there's a block that says CONTACT US. Follow the instructions and someone will be in touch with you.
Good luck!
It's what we do....FREE. Some of us are VETS, some are not. Some of us are BIKERS, some of us are not. We all are willing to STAND FOR THOSE WHO HAVE STOOD FOR US. Your local group would be very honored to escort him to his final resting place. Don't wait, do it now, please!
(USN, retired/proud Patriot Guard Rider)
P.S. check out the PHOTO GALLERY to get an idea what goes on.
If you'd like more back ground on the PGR, please feel free to email me.
Just for example, last summer we escorted MASTER DIVER, MASTER CHIEF BOS'N'S MATE, CARL BRASHEAR (subject of MEN OF HONOR...Cuba Gooding played him, he lived here in Va Beach, VA)

Answer 4

Contact the local VFW or American Legion they will provide a proper military funeral

Answer 5

Contact your local American Legion. They will help you with what you need so he can have a military funeral if that is your wish.

Answer 6

Contact your local VFW or American Legion post and they will guide you through and help with any problems.!!!

Answer 7

We put a Lei that we had ordered from hawaii on his casket.


Patriotism is your conviction that this country is superior to all other countries because you were born in it. - George Bernard Shaw

Answer 8

Go to www.va.gov

Or call your local VA office they will tell you about the benefits he can receive in his passing.

Sorry for your lose.