About this service
Military funeral honors are provided by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) to honor eligible veterans at burial or memorial services.
- Honors must be requested through the veteran’s branch of service
- The Marin County Veterans Service Office (VSO) does not schedule funeral honors
- The VSO can help explain the process and related benefits
Who this service is for
This service is for:
- Veterans who may be eligible for military funeral honors
- Family members or authorized representatives arranging burial or memorial services
Eligibility and final determination are made by the branch of service honors office.
Details
Frequently asked questions
How do I request military funeral honors?
You must contact the veteran’s branch of service directly.
The branch will:
- Verify eligibility
- Coordinate the honor guard
- Schedule the ceremony details
The VSO cannot schedule or coordinate funeral honors.
Who do I contact to schedule military funeral honors?
Military funeral honors are provided by the U.S. Department of Defense through the veteran’s branch of service (Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, or Coast Guard).
Army
Phone: 253-966-5890
Email: hfnezl.woyz.vzpbz.yvfg.que-zvyvgnel-shareny-ubabef@nezl.zvy
Marine Corps
Phone: 866-826-3628
Navy
Phone: 800-326-9631
Email: hfa.fna-qvrtb-pn.pavpjnfuvatgbaqp.zok.paefj-shareny-ubabef@hf.anil.zvy
Air Force & Space Force
Phone: 707-424-5252
Coast Guard
Phone: 510-437-5608
What documents are needed to request honors?
You will typically need:
- Veteran’s DD-214 (discharge papers)
- Death certificate
- Service and burial information
If you do not have the DD-214, you can request it from the National Archives:
Military Service Records
Who schedules the burial or service?
Burial and service arrangements are handled separately from funeral honors.
- Cemetery or funeral home: schedules burial or service
- Military branch: provides funeral honors
- VSO: provides guidance only
What is included in military funeral honors?
Honors typically include:
- Folding and presentation of the U.S. flag
- Playing of “Taps”
- Honor guard detail (varies based on availability)
Who is eligible for military funeral honors?
Eligibility is determined by the branch of service.
Generally includes veterans who were discharged under conditions other than dishonorable.
Can the VSO schedule or coordinate funeral honors for me?
No. The VSO can:
- Explain the process
- Help identify the correct service branch
- Provide information on related benefits
But honors must be requested directly through the military branch.
What other benefits should I consider at the same time?
You may also be eligible for:
- Burial flag
- Headstone or marker (VA Form 40-1330)
- Burial reimbursement
- Survivor benefits
- Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) provides free grief counseling, peer support, and survivor assistance.
See the Veteran Burial Benefits information page for full details.
What to do
- Gather required documents (DD-214, death certificate, service details)
- Contact the veteran’s branch of service using the information above
- Coordinate burial or service
What’s next
- The service branch will confirm eligibility and schedule honors
- The cemetery or funeral home will coordinate burial details
- Families may also apply for burial benefits or survivor benefits
Related benefits and resources
- VA — Burial flags
- VA — Burial and memorial benefits
- VA Form 40-1330 — Claim for government-furnished headstone or marker
- California Department of Veterans Affairs — State Veterans Cemeteries
- Marin County — Grief counseling and support resources
Get help
Marin County Veterans Service Office
Email: uufirgfreivprf@znevapbhagl.tbi
Phone: 415-473-6193