Veteran funeral question

chpprguy

chpprguy

Gunny Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
Supporter
Feb 8, 2004
1,468
36
Los Alamos NM
#1
I have a friend who recently succumbed to cancer.

Army vet, served in Vietnam, and my shooting buddy.

Fiercely proud of his service, and since I was a swabby, we would tease each other back and forth.

I am a vet, not a retired vet, and had considered wearing my blues to his service. (Santa Fe National Cemetery)

But, I am not sure if I should/can.

The only reg's I can find pertain to active/reservist/retired......

what say you?
 
#4
Re: Veteran funeral question

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: kraigWY</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Wear 'em.

Pin HIS unit's patch on your blouse pocket. </div></div>

Gotcha, thanks....
 
#5
Re: Veteran funeral question

That's permitted by the regs as long as you were honorably discharged, and conform to current grooming standards.

You can Google information about that. Here is one paragraph on that subject:

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Note: Any individual wearing a US Military uniform is expected to reflect the high personal appearance standards and esprit de corps that the US Military in uniform represent. To this end, particular attention will be paid not only to the correct and military wear of uniform components, but also to the individual’s personal and physical appearance. All personnel exercising the privilege of wearing a US Military service or dress uniform will comply fully with their service's grooming and weight control standards.</div></div>

See also:

http://www.dtic.mil/whs/directives/corres/pdf/133401p.pdf

 
#6
Re: Veteran funeral question

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Lindy</div><div class="ubbcode-body">That's permitted by the regs as long as you were honorably discharged, and conform to current grooming standards.

You can Google information about that. Here is one paragraph on that subject:

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Note: Any individual wearing a US Military uniform is expected to reflect the high personal appearance standards and esprit de corps that the US Military in uniform represent. To this end, particular attention will be paid not only to the correct and military wear of uniform components, but also to the individual’s personal and physical appearance. All personnel exercising the privilege of wearing a US Military service or dress uniform will comply fully with their service's grooming and weight control standards.</div></div>

See also:

http://www.dtic.mil/whs/directives/corres/pdf/133401p.pdf

</div></div>

Thanks Lindy, it seems my google-fu is weak...
from your link...

<span style="font-style: italic">3.2. Former members of the Armed Forces, unless under another provision of this Instruction or under the terms of Section 772 of title 10, United States Code (reference (d)), who served honorably during a declared or undeclared war and whose most recent service was terminated under honorable conditions may wear the uniform in the highest grade held during such war service only on the following occasions and in the course of travel incident thereto:

3.2.1. Military funerals, memorial services, weddings, and inaugurals.</span>
 
#7
Re: Veteran funeral question

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: kraigWY</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Wear 'em.

Pin HIS unit's patch on your blouse pocket. </div></div>

Called his wife,
First Aviation Brigade

Now I gotta find some patches,
thanks again all......
 
#8
Re: Veteran funeral question

I recently wore my number 1's to the funeral of a mate killed in a car accident... we all did.. and we are all retired ourselves.. grooming and personal appearance apply as already stated...
 
#9
Re: Veteran funeral question

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> and we are all retired ourselves</div></div>


I believe "retired" is differant, at least for officers, we have more liberty in wearing uniforms.

Thats the only reason I kept my Dress Blues, (of course its the only one that fits now. Somebody washed all my uniforms in HOT water or something.
 
#10
Re: Veteran funeral question

More stupid questions,

as I have never been to a funeral, let alone a military one...

I was able to get my blues in good order....

I have researched a little and found I need to salute when...

* When the hearse passes in front of you
* At any time while the casket is being moved
* During the gun salute
* While Taps is being played
* If present when the casket is being lowered
into the ground

Are there any other tips/etiquette advice?

I certainly don't want to be an ass or disrespectful to my friend. Also, the other vet's who were supposed to show in uniform all backed out...... candy-asses
mad.gif
 
#13
Re: Veteran funeral question

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Lindy</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If by "covered" you mean wearing a cover or hat, you bet your butt you will be covered. It ain't even legal in the naval services to salute uncovered.
</div></div>

No sir,
I am well aware of the "cover" requirements.

I was unsure if there were any other funeral ceremony etiquette requirements than those listed...
 
#14
Re: Veteran funeral question

As a vet he is entitled to military honors during the funeral, but the next of kin or other family member must have notified the funeral director of prior service and requested a military service to make it happen.

As a minimum there will be at least two service members present for the honors. Honors for vets/retirees are usually carried out by the active duty staff/reservists of the nearest component reserve center.

In a military funeral with a flag draped coffin or a folded flag carried with cremations you will be saluting the flag as it moves with one exception.

As it arrives in the hearse.

As the coffin/cremations pass your post.

During taps/gun salutes (exception to movement).

As the flag passes your post with the next of kin during their departure.

Remember. Salutes for the flag of the bereaved are all rendered at a “slow time”, (both up and down).

Hope this helps and I'm sorry for your loss.

v/r,
Shane
 
#15
Re: Veteran funeral question

I think it's awesome that you're going to wear your uniform to his funeral. I haven't worn mine in a very long time, but if I had a good reason, I would.
 
#17
Re: Veteran funeral question

The wearing of appropriate uniform is a matter of your own conscience, and should be considered as a matter of personal and individual respect for the deceased. I would further suggest that you use appropriate judgement when you make your decision regarding attendance in uniform, especially with regard to respecting the wishes of the next of kin.

Organized ceremonies must originate at the request of the next of kin.

It is reasonable and appropriate to offer information about availability and options to the next of kin, if one is in a position to provide fulfillment of those options. It is the expressed wish of CMC that deceased Marines should have every opportunity to receive Military Funerary Honors.

Greg
 
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