As Memorial Day approaches, we pause to remember the service members who never returned home and the Veterans who have since passed after lives of service to our nation. Another meaningful tradition connected to that remembrance is Military Funeral Honors (MFH).
Military Funeral Honors are provided to eligible Veterans during burial or memorial services. At a minimum, honors include the folding and presentation of the United States flag and the playing of “Taps.” In communities like ours, local volunteer honor guards often provide additional ceremonial honors reflecting the dignity and respect earned through military service.
What many families may not realize is that Military Funeral Honors require coordination and documentation, often within a short timeframe. Funeral homes, local honor guards such as American Legion Post 109, Veterans Services offices, and military personnel may all play a role in ensuring honors are available.
One important requirement is proof of military service, typically a DD-214 or other qualifying discharge document. These records contain private information protected by federal, state, and county data privacy laws. The documentation is necessary to confirm eligibility for honors and benefits.
Advance planning can make the process smoother for everyone involved. Veterans and families should discuss whether Military Funeral Honors are desired before they are needed and ensure military discharge records are stored in a secure but accessible location.
When the time comes, the funeral home is typically the primary point of contact for initiating and coordinating Military Funeral Honors requests. This helps streamline communication between the family, funeral home, honor guard volunteers, military personnel, and Veterans Services while reducing stress on surviving family members. Funeral homes are also often best positioned to collect and share required military service documentation with the appropriate parties.
Families should notify the funeral home as early as possible if Military Funeral Honors are requested. Advance notice is especially important in rural communities where volunteer availability, scheduling, travel distances, and military support may affect whether honors can be provided on short notice.
Communities across the country continue facing declining numbers of volunteer honor guard members, and our local area is no exception. Many dedicated volunteers continue to ensure Veterans receive proper honors, but sustaining these efforts will require continued community support and new volunteers willing to serve once again.
Everyone involved shares the same goal: ensuring Veterans are laid to rest with the honor, dignity, and respect they earned through service to our country. Local efforts are underway to improve coordination and help ensure Military Funeral Honors remain available in our community for years to come.
Please note that Cook and Lake County Veterans Services offices will be closed June 1–5, 2026, for required training.
Brad Anderson and Melissa Crandall, Lake County Veterans Service Officers, 218.834.8326 or cvso@co.lake.mn.us
Karen Christianson, Cook County Veterans Service Officer, 218.387.3639, or karen. christianson@co.cook.mn.us
