Military Funeral Honors
"Honoring Those Who Have Served"
A Final Salute to Our Shipmates
U.S. Coast Guard Base Cleveland is proud to provide dignified military funeral honors for our nation's veterans. It is our solemn duty to ensure that every eligible service member receives a final tribute that acknowledges their faithful and honorable service to our country.
About Military Funeral Honors
The United States Coast Decedent Affairs program provides a formal ceremony to recognize a veteran's service to their country. By law, an honor guard detail for the burial of an eligible veteran will consist of at least two members of the Armed Forces.
The core elements of the ceremony include:
- Flag Folding and Presentation: The U.S. flag that drapes the casket or accompanies the urn is carefully folded and presented to the next of kin. You may request a flag from the Department of Veteran Affairs.
- Playing of Taps: A bugler will play Taps. If a bugler is not available, a high-quality recording will be played.
For eligible veterans, including those who retired from military service, were killed on active duty, or are Medal of Honor recipients, full military funeral honors may be provided, which can include a rifle detail, color guard, and pallbearers.
Eligibility for Military Funeral Honors
To be eligible for military funeral honors, the deceased must meet one of the following criteria:
- Currently serving on active duty or in the Selected Reserves.
- Former military member who served on active duty and was discharged under conditions other than dishonorable.
- Former military member who completed at least one term of enlistment or period of initial obligated service in the Selected Reserve and was discharged under conditions other than dishonorable.
A DD Form 214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) or other proof of honorable service is required to verify eligibility. You may request a DD-214 from the National Archives.
How to Request Honors
Families of eligible veterans should make the request for military funeral honors through their chosen funeral director. The funeral director will coordinate with the appropriate military service to arrange for the honor guard detail. The form to request honors can be found here:
Coast Guard Great Lakes District MFH Request Form
To ensure a timely response, please provide the funeral director with the veteran's DD Form 214 or other discharge paperwork. We request at least 72 hours' notice to coordinate funeral honors.
Burial at Sea on the Great Lakes
Burial at sea of veterans and dependents on the Great Lakes is provided by the U.S. Coast Guard. Cremated remains only are permitted for burial on the Great Lakes. The burials must take place at least 3 nautical miles from shore and are typically conducted during operations outside the presence of family. Family attendance is, however, at the discretion of the commanding officer/officer in charge.
Families and funeral directors may request burial at sea on the Great Lakes through the Military Funeral Honors Coordinator at U.S. Coast Guard Base Cleveland. In addition to the MFH Request Form, please fill out the Maritime Burial Request/Authorization Form. Copies of the veteran’s DD-214, death certificate, and cremation certificate will be required.
Contact Information
For funeral directors requesting military funeral honors in the Cleveland area and the Coast Guard Great Lakes District, please contact:
Coast Guard Great Lakes District Military Funeral Honors Coordinator
U.S. Coast Guard Base Cleveland
1240 East Ninth Street
Cleveland, OH 44199
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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Question
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Answer
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| Is there a cost for military funeral honors? |
No, military funeral honors are provided by the Department of War at no cost to the family. |
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How can I get a burial flag?
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Your funeral director will assist you in obtaining a U.S. flag for the service from the Department of Veterans Affairs.
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How do I get a copy of my loved one's DD-214?
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You can request a copy of military service records from the National Archives website.
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