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Funeral Honors

Funeral Honors

Recognizing the honor and sacrifice of service members.

Military Funeral HonorsHonoring Those Who Served is our commitment to recognize the sacrifice and contributions of our nation’s veterans. The rendering of military funeral honors is one of the ways to show the nation’s deep gratitude to those who, in times of war and peace, have faithfully defended our country. The ceremonial playing of Taps, the folding of the American flag and presenting it to the next-of-kin are the final demonstrations that a grateful nation can provide to veterans’ families.

By law, an honor guard detail for the burial of an eligible veteran shall consist of not less than two members of the U.S. Armed Forces.

One member of the detail should be a representative of the parent service of the deceased veteran whenever possible.

The U.S. Armed Forces honor detail will, at a minimum, perform a ceremony that includes the playing of Taps and folding and presentation of the American flag to the next-of-kin.

Military funeral honors are provided by the Indiana Army National Guard in the State of Indiana, under direction of the U.S. Department of Defense, at no cost to the family.

Requesting Military Funeral Honors

To request Military Funeral Honors for an eligible veteran, you must be a family member or a representative of the family of the deceased, and possess a copy of the service member's DD214 or official discharge papers. Please complete the Online Request for Military Funeral Honors form below. Then, email the service member's DD214 or official discharge papers to ng.in.inarng.list.j9cma-fh@mail.mil.

Click on the link below, complete the fillable PDF form and click "SUBMIT" at the bottom of page 2. To download the form, you may right-click the link and select "save target as."

Veteran Funeral Honors

As of January 1, 2000, and upon the family’s request, the law requires that every eligible veteran receive a military funeral honors ceremony, which includes the folding and presentation of the United States flag and the playing of “Taps.” The ceremony is performed by a military funeral honors detail consisting of two or more uniformed military persons who are members of the veteran’s branch of service. This Department of Defense program calls for the funeral home to request military funeral honors on behalf of the veteran’s family.

All requests for Funeral Honors are on a first-come, first-served basis. The only two exceptions are: Medal of Honor Recipients and Soldiers Killed in Action

Military Department of Indiana Ceremonial Unit performs funeral honors for the following Indiana Guardsmen:

  • Retired service members (20 years in Indiana Army National Guard)
  • Active members of the Indiana National Guard
  • General officers (O7 and above)
  • Colonels (O6)
  • Chief Warrant Officer (W5) after March 1992, Chief Warrant Officer (W4) prior to March 1992
  • Sergeant Major (E9)
  • Current or Former members of MDI Ceremonial Unit
  • Military Honors Detail

    Reserved for: Any veteran who was honorably discharged with any form of proof of service regardless of component, Active, Reserve or National Guard.

    Consists of:

    • team of two soldiers
    • playing of taps
    • folding and presentation of the American Flag
  • Three to Nine Person Detail

    based on availability

    Reserved for: Retired service members (served 20 years Active Duty in the Armed Forces other than Indiana Guardsmen), Active Duty or Reserve Soldier (not KIA)

    Consists of:

    • team of three to nine soldiers
    • three volleys of rifle fire (may be performed by local legion or VFW)
    • playing of taps
    • folding and presentation of the American Flag
  • Full Military Honors

    Reserved for: Service members killed in action (KIA), Medal of Honor recipients, General Officers (O7 and above), enlisted pay grade E9: Sergeant Major (Army)

    Consists of:

    • team of nine to 16 soldiers
    • three volleys of rifle fire (may be performed by local legion or VFW)
    • playing of taps
    • folding and presentation of the American Flag

Public Events

Request Musical Unit, Troop, Color/Honor Guard, exhibit/equipment.

DD Form 2536

Military Unit

Request military unit support.

Submit Request

Aerial Support

Request flyover, static display, demonstration.

DD Form 2535

Pre-Arranged Funeral

Prepare for funeral honors at service.

Submit Request

Volunteer to Serve

Current or prior members of the Indiana National Guard who are in good standing may apply to volunteer in the Ceremonial Unit. You’ll have the opportunity to represent the Guard at funeral services and public events near your current unit or station, and you’ll be challenged both to learn something new and to share your knowledge and expertise with like-minded soldiers and airmen. To maintain your active status, we ask that you participate in a minimum of four events per year. Your participation will allow you to earn the Ceremonial Unit badge to wear on your dress uniform and to attend the annual awards banquet. Contact 317-247-3300, Ext. 85466 with questions.

Volunteer