Honoring our nation’s military heroes
The story of every veteran’s life deserves to be shared and celebrated.
At Evan W. Smith Funeral Services, we take immense pride in serving our nation’s veterans and active-duty servicemen and women. Their dedication and sacrifice define our nation, and we consider it a privilege to have the opportunity to give back to these heroes. Our duty is to provide former and current members of the U.S. military and their families with the most professional and dignified assistance during their time of need. We’re here to support you in honoring your loved one’s allegiance and selfless service. It would be an honor to help you make arrangements for any combination of traditional military tributes. We also extend a 10% discount on services for the Military (Active, Reserves, Guard Members), Retirees, and Veterans. Click the "Veteran Salute Program" image to learn more or contact us directly.
What are the standard honor elements of military funerals?
The basic Military Funeral Honors (MFH) ceremony consists of the folding and presentation of the United States flag to the veteran’s family and the playing of Taps by a lone bugler or quality recorded version. The ceremony is performed by a funeral honors detail consisting of at least two members of the Armed Forces. The type of Funeral Honors rendered is determined by the status of the veteran. The Funeral Honors may be Full Military Honors, Seven-Person Detail, or a Standard Honors Team Detail. At least one of the funeral honors detail will be from the branch of the Armed Forces in which the deceased veteran served. Military Funeral Honor Teams may act as pallbearers upon request of the family.
Are other Veteran funeral benefits available?
In addition to coordinating honors related to the service itself, we would be happy to help you communicate with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to arrange for:
A Presidential Memorial Certificate
This is a certificate expressing the nation’s recognition of the veteran’s service. The veteran’s name is inscribed and the certificate bears the signature of the president. Certificates are issued in the name of honorably discharged, deceased veterans. Please contact us for assistance in applying for a Presidential Memorial Certificate.
Headstones or Markers
The VA provides headstones and markers for the graves of veterans anywhere in the world and for eligible dependents of veterans buried in national, state veteran or military cemeteries.
Memorial Plots
If an eligible veteran’s remains are not available for burial, the VA will provide a plot and headstone or marker in a national cemetery for memorialization. If you wish to place the memorial in a cemetery other than a national cemetery, the VA will provide the headstone or marker but not the plot itself.
Burial in a VA National Cemetery
This includes the gravesite, opening, and closing of the grave, a grave box, and perpetual care.
Reimbursement of Burial Expenses
For information regarding eligibility and how to apply, please review the VA’s Guide to Burial Allowance.
Create a deeply meaningful and respectful ceremony.
Your deceased service member was dedicated to serving our country; our team of experienced professionals is dedicated to serving you. Turn to Evan W. Smith Funeral Services to arrange a final farewell that appropriately reflects and honors your loved one’s legacy.
Whether you need to plan a funeral for a death that has occurred or are seeking to preplan arrangements, our staff is always available to assist you. Please contact us anytime.
Recent Blog Posts
In our blog, we share resources and information that families in our community can use to cope with their loss or better understand their grief. We also write about the ways we have been involved in the community. Check out our latest posts.
Evan W. Smith Funeral Services
Please let us know how we can help you answer your Veteran Services questions: