GUN SALUTE
The first ritual of a full military funeral is the Gun Salute. This custom originates from the European dynastic wars in which the fighting ceased so that the dead and wounded could be removed. After this was accomplished, three shots were fired into the air to signal that the battle could resume.
TAPS
The second ritual is the powerful sound of a bugler playing “Taps”, a call to remember those who served their country with pride and distinction.
Today, the 24 mournful notes comprising “Taps” are played to commemorate the memory of members of all six branches of the armed forces: the Army, the Navy, the Marine Corps, the Air Force, the Coast Guard, and the Space Force.
The final bugle call is a sign of respect, dignity, and a tribute to the veteran
FOLDING AND PRESENTATION OF THE AMERICAN FLAG
At all military funerals the folding and presentation of the American flag marks the end of the ceremony and the “end of duty” for the veteran. The American flag is draped over the casket or accompanies the Urn of the deceased in honor of their service to the country. The ceremonial folding and presentation of the flag is a moving tribute of lasting importance to the veteran’s family
Acting in compliance with DoD Instruction 1300.15 the branch of service of the deceased is required to provide active duty members to fold the American flag and present it to the next of kin. However, there have been instances where the branch of service is short personnel and one or two of our members are called upon the assist with the flag folding.
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