Military Funeral Honors and Military Cemeteries: Frequently Asked Questions. (Updated February 18, 2009)

摘要

This report is written in response to frequently asked questions about military funeral honors and military cemeteries. It provides information on the eligibility criteria, required components of the honor detail, and the funeral ceremony. It also cites legislation that mandates that the Department of Defense (DoD) make military funeral honors available to every eligible veteran upon request. The following questions are answered: What Are Military Funeral Honors; What Legislation Provides for the Implementation of the Current Military Funeral Honors Program; What Agency is Responsible for Administering the Military Funeral Honors Program; Who is Eligible for Military Funeral Honors; Who is Ineligible for Military Funeral Honors; What is the Required Composition of a Military Funeral Honors Detail; Who is Responsible for Making the Arrangements for Honors to Be Performed; Are Members of the Military Honors Detail Paid; How Many Military Funeral Honors for Veterans Requests Are Supported Only by Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs); What Military Honors Are Afforded to Individuals Interred or Inurned at Arlington National Cemetery; and What are the Available Emblems of Belief for Placement on Government Headstones and Markers. This report will be updated as needed. For related reading, see CRS Report RL32769, 'Military Death Benefits: Status and Proposals,' by David F. Burrelli and Jennifer R. Corwell.