Veterans

The rendering of Military Funeral Honors is a way to show the Nation's deep gratitude to those who, in times of war and peace, have faithfully defended our country.

This ceremonial paying of respect is the final demonstration a grateful Nation can provide to the veteran's families. The tradition of providing Military Funeral Honors, in some form, began in ancient Greece and Rome. The funeral honors protocol of today, traces its roots to these ancient ceremonies as well as to historical American experiences.

HONORING THOSE WHO SERVED is our commitment to recognize the sacrifice and contributions of our Nation's veterans. Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery is the sixth national cemetery in Texas and the 118th in the national cemetery system. Currently, more than 1.5 million veterans live in the state of Texas and approximately 460,000 reside in the cemetery’s service area. The first phase of construction encompassed 110 acres of the 638-acre cemetery for 12,000 projected gravesites, 2,000 lawn crypts and 2,200 columbaria/garden niches for cremated remains. Fully developed, Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery will provide burial space for 280,000 eligible veterans and dependents.

The Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery was dedicated and opened for burials on May 12, 2000. The cemetery is situated on a 638.5-acre parcel of land that overlooks picturesque Mountain Creek Lake. The gently rolling hills provide a pastoral setting for visitors as they proceed along the central boulevard to the small lake adjacent to the assembly area and committal shelters. The Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery has a Public Information Center (PIC) where visitors can obtain information from an automated KIOSK or from volunteers who staff the PIC seven days a week from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The KIOSK contains the names of veterans and their eligible dependents buried at the cemetery. The KIOSK will generate a printed map with the name of the decedent and their grave location.

D/FW National Cemetery, 2000 Mountian Creek Pkwy, Dallas, Texas 75211, Directions by Mapquest


Monuments and Memorials

Dallas-Ft. Worth National Cemetery features a memorial walkway lined with a variety of memorials that honor America’s veterans, donated by various organizations. As of 2003, there were 42 memorials at Dallas-Ft. Worth National Cemetery—most commemorating events and troops of the 20th century wars.

What is new about Military Funeral Honors?

Military Funeral Honors have always been provided whenever possible. However, the law now mandates the rendering of Military Funeral Honors for an eligi­ble veteran if requested by the family. As provided by law, an honor guard detail for the burial of an eligible veteran shall consist of not less than two members of the Armed Forces. One member of the detail shall be a representative of the parent Service of the deceased veteran. The honor detail will, at a minimum, per­form a ceremony that includes the folding and presenting of the American flag to the next of kin and the playing of Taps. Taps will be played by a bugler, if available, or by electronic recording.

Today, there are so few buglers available that the Military Services often cannot provide one. The Military Funeral Honors detail will provide music; however, should there be a need, we have provided an official recording of Taps in this kit. This rendition of Taps was recorded at Arlington National Cemetery on Memorial Day 1999. In addition, funeral directors can assist the Services in locating area musicians.

How much does a Military Funeral Honors detail cost?

Military Funeral Honors are provided by the Department of Defense at no cost to the family.

What can the family of an eligible veteran expect?

The core elements of the funeral honors ceremony, which will be conducted on request, are:

- Flag Folding

- Flag Presentation

- Taps

The veteran's parent Service representative will present the flag.

How much notice should be provided for the honors request?

The Services request at least 48 hours in order to organize the funeral honors detail

What if the family wants to learn more about Military Funeral Honors? An Internet web site is available. It is located at: www.militaryfuneralhonors.osd.mil and may be accessed by the general public. This web site is a source of detailed information with direct links to related military and veteran sites.

Who is eligible?

- Military members on active duty

- Military retirees

- Members and former members of the Selected Reserve

- Eligible U.S. veterans of any war

- Other U.S. veterans who served at least one term of enlistment and separated under conditions other than dishonorable.

Who is not eligible?

Some veterans are not eligible for funeral honors. This includes, for example, those discharged from the Armed Forces under dishonorable conditions or indi­viduals sentenced to death or life imprisonment without parole for a federal or state capital offense. If you have eligibility questions, talk to your Service point of contact.

Further clarification on eligibility is available in Title 10 and Title 38, United States Code, which are avail­able on this web site: http://www.militaryfuneralhonors.osd.mil