Understanding Military Funerals
Military funerals can be for young soldiers killed in action, or for elderly veterans who dedicated a huge portion of their lives to securing our freedom. Whether they fought the Germans in WWII or Al Qaeda in the Iraq War, their sacrifice is something we should not take for granted. To thank the families and celebrate the distinction of such an extraordinary human being, who has put him or herself in harm’s way for his or her country, there are several traditions that make a military funeral unique.
When attending military funerals, there is no doubt this is something special, as at least two members of the uniformed armed forces, Reserve, or National Guard will be present during the wake, memorial and funeral services. Their silent presence is a reminder of the camaraderie in the army - and that this soldier was willing to sacrifice not just for us, but for his or her platoon. If killed in action or remembered particularly well, an officer sometimes attends the funeral and gives a speech to the grieving about the soldier’s service, dedication and sacrifice.
At the gravesite, a gun salute is given to high ranking officers and officials or a 3-volley salute is fired. This tradition stems from the act of stopping fighting to remove the dead from the battlefield. To resume fighting, the armies would fire three volleys to indicate that the dead have been taken care of and the fighting may resume. With the Navy, a cannon may be fired. This custom symbolizes how during combat, when a cannon fires, it partially disarms the ship, and so the cannon is fired at certain military funerals to represent trust and respect.
Sometimes music is present, like bagpipes, upon request. Other times, “Taps” is played via bugle or recording during the final salute. In 1862, bugler Oliver Wilcox Norton relayed playing his rendition of this emotional tune, “The music was beautiful on that still summer night and was heard far beyond the limits of our Brigade. The next day I was visited by several buglers from neighboring Brigades, asking for copies of the music which I gladly furnished. The call was gradually taken up through the Army of the Potomac.” This part of the military funeral ceremony always strikes a chord with attendees.
The soldier may be buried in one of the Veteran Affairs’ 125+ cemeteries, or the soldier may be buried in a family plot. Sometimes a headstone or marker is provided by the VA as well. It’s striking to see people who didn’t even know the deceased arriving at the site or standing with their hands over their hearts as the procession goes by. Military funerals are one last salute to someone who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom and in some small way, those customs and traditions soothe the aching soul.
By Relationships Editor
