Military Honors    

Michael E. Brown Funeral Services is proud to provide funeral honors and assist with burial benefits that members of the U.S. Armed Forces have earned through their dedication to preserving our freedom. During times of trouble, the United States of America, with the help of brave men and women, has been a leader in helping the oppressed and defending freedom. During your time of trouble, let us help you to create the dignified service your veteran deserves.

With an Honorable Discharge (DD 214), we can complete the forms necessary to obtain the benefits listed below.

Honorably Discharged Veterans are entitled to the following benefits:

One certified copy of the death certificate to be used for veterans benefits

American flag, flag folding and presentation

At our funeral home, the flag draped over the casket of a veteran is always professionally ironed and treated with respect. The American flag is folded by a two person team from the branch of the Armed Forces that the veteran was honorably discharged. The flag is then presented to the next of kin.

Presidential Memorial Certificate

These certificates are issued by the U.S. government acknowledging your loved one’s dedicated service. Multiple copies can be ordered for several family members.

Military Funeral Honor Detail

This includes a two person team from the branch of the Armed Forces that the veteran was enlisted. The Funeral Honor Detail will provide Taps (bugler), flag folding and presentation of the American flag to the next of kin. The Funeral Honor Detail will perform their duties at the funeral home, Church, cemetery or location of one’s choice.

Taps (bugler)

Veterans Headstone or Marker

Families have a choice of one of four V.A. markers or headstones issued by the U.S. Government. They are available in bronze (2 sizes are available), gray granite or white marble. The grey granite and white marble markers are available as an upright monument or as a flat marker. We complete the application with the next of kin, have the monument delivered to our funeral home to make sure the marker is correct and we deliver the marker to the cemetery. Usually the marker or headstone is delivered to the funeral home within 4 to 6 weeks from the time it is ordered.The cemetery may have a fee to install the marker.

Burial Benefits

Monetary burial benefits are paid to the next of kin when a veteran passes away in a V.A. Medical Center, in a nursing home under a V.A. contract, died while on active duty or was receiving disability payments from the V.A. at the time of death.

Full Military Honors

Full Military Honors are for members of the military killed in action, died during active duty or retirees from the U.S. Armed Forces. Full military honors include: Military Pallbearers, Taps (bugler), a firing detail, flag folding and presentation of the American flag. Depending on the circumstances, a military fly-over may be performed.

Patriot Guard Riders of New York

The Patriot Guard Riders are volunteers that show support to members of the military and first responders with standing flag lines and provide flagged, motorcycle escorts for funeral services. We have the applications available, but the Patriot Guard Riders must have an invitation by the immediate family and will do their best to provide their service.

American Legion and Veteran of Foreign Wars Honors (V.F.W.)

Many local Veteran Service Organizations have funeral service honors that they perform during the calling hours or at the funeral/memorial service. American Legion and V.F.W. Posts may also have banquet facilities available upon request.

Burial of a veteran in a county, state or national veterans memorial cemetery

Honorably Discharged Veterans can be buried in a county, state or national cemetery. With national cemeteries, the federal government provides the veteran with a grave, the grave opening and a concrete grave liner as well as the V.A. marker or headstone. County and state veteran cemeteries may have different regulations and we can assist in obtaining that information.

Flags of Our Heroes

Honor Flight Syracuse offers a program that shows respect an honor to deceased veterans and their families, Flags Our Heroes. This new program requires a 5x7 photo of the veteran and a copy of the obituary, if available. A flag, along with the photo of the veteran is taken on one of the tours of the war memorials in Washington D.C. The flag and photo is placed in front of the corresponding Memorial and a photo is taken. The family would receive an 8x10 photo and certificate from Honor Flight Syracuse honoring the veteran. Photos will be returned to the family.

Should you have any questions or suggestions on how we can help to honor our veterans,

please do not hesitate to contact us.