Veteran Funeral Rituals and Dignified Burials
Everyone has the right to an affordable and dignified funeral upon their death. Families of veterans observe many of the same rituals as the civilian families we are privileged to serve. However, there are other funeral rituals that a funeral provider must be aware of when serving a veteran’s family at the time of a loss.
Veteran Funeral Rituals
- When a Veteran passes away, funeral home staff should ensure that they have a Canadian Flag to place over the deceased upon removal from the place of death.
- Have a musician perform The Last Post on a Bugle or Trumpet
- Observe a moment of silence
- The deceased’s headdress, insignia and medals may be borne on a velvet cushion into the funeral service.
- Muffled drums can accompany the graveside processional.
- Volleys are fired over the grave when the body is interred.
- A military funeral may feature an honour guard
- Casket may be draped with a Canadian Flag
- A Military Grave Marker, abiding by cemetery regulations.
About the Veterans Affairs Canada Funeral and Burial Program
Similar to Basic Funerals, the Veterans Affairs Canada Funeral and Burial Program believes everyone has the right to an affordable and dignified funeral or memorial service. The Veterans Affairs Canada Funeral and Burial Program ensures that eligible Veterans receive dignified funeral and burial services. The Last Post Fund, a non-profit organization has administered this program that has served Veterans since 1909.
Visit The Last Post Fund to inquire about the Veterans Affairs Canada Funeral and Burial Program.
Visit our blog post about Remembrance Day here: Remembrance Day
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