Pre-planning Your Own Memorial Services As A Veteran

If you're a veteran and you've served your country, it's important to know that the government recognizes your hard work and sacrifice. One way the government acknowledges you is by offering veteran memorial benefits to help ease the cost of your final expenses on your family members. Now is the time to inquire into the benefits that are entitled to you. This allows you to pre-plan your veteran memorial service and have your final affairs in order sooner, rather than later. Here are a few benefits that you may qualify for.

Funeral Services

It's important to choose a funeral home which you and your family trust with handling final arrangements. If you want to be recognized for your time served in the military, be sure to ask about the following:

• Do you offer a veteran-themed memorial package?
• Do you welcome veterans in full military uniforms for a military honor ceremony?
• Do you have flags available to display at the memorial service?
• Do you offer military-themed caskets?

If you are adamant about your funeral standing out from a basic funeral -- requiring flag displays and military themed music -- be sure to choose a funeral provider who can fulfill your final respects.

National Cemetery Burial

Whether you serviced in the Marines, Army, Air Force, Navy, Coast Guard or National Guard, you may be eligible for burial at a National Cemetery. Even if you don't live near one or your funeral provider can't transport you directly, they should be in network with an out-of-town funeral company that can. Ask your local funeral home provider if they can make the arrangements to have you transported to a National Cemetery directly following the funeral service.

Full Military Honors

As a Veteran who has served, one request that you may have is to receive full military honors. Through this program, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (or VA) provides a member of the parent services of whom you served, such as the Marines, to be present at your service. A flag will be presented, folded and handed to the next of kin. The playing of taps will occur at burial. Your local funeral home will be in contact with the VA and be able to tailor the service based on your wishes and that of your family members as well.

Burial Reimbursement

A funeral service and burial details can be complex and confusing, especially if you're pre-planning your own. That is why it's important for you to get in contact with your local funeral home and make an appointment to discuss the entire process. If finances are an issue, your funeral director may ask you to contact a burial reimbursement representative from U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. From there, he or she will go over all of the benefits you are entitled to. This will make coordination easier for you and your funeral planner.

While pre-planning your own funeral is never something that is enjoyable, it does lessen the burden for your loved ones. Pre-planning gives you peace of mind that everything is handled according to your final wishes. Consider a place like Hartsell Funeral Home for your funeral and memorial services.