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Military Funeral Information
Here are a few examples of how military traditions carried on and through
centuries developed into very meaningful funeral customs that bring comfort to
the grieving:
- Draping a flag on the casket began in 1806 during the Napoleonic Wars when
the dead were covered with a flag and carried off the battlefield.
- The gunfire salute is an ancient ceremony that led to the well-known
21-gun salute in 1875 when the United States adopted it as an international
salute.
- Emotionally charged Taps was composed in camp at Harrison's Landing in
1862 to replace Tattoo, signaling lights out. It soon became practice
in both northern and southern camps and eventually used at military
funerals.
- "Volley over the grave" originated from an army custom of
halting battle to remove the dead from the battlefield. Once each army
cleared its dead, three volleys were fired to indicate they were ready to
resume the battle. This remains a meaningful ritual today, symbolizing the
battle of life is over for the person who has died, but the battle of life
must continue for those living.
- 79 percent of consumers
surveyed feel that military traditions carried out at the funeral are a
"very meaningful" way to say goodbye to their loved one.
- 88 percent felt a
military funeral gives a veteran much-deserved special attention and
provides an opportunity for reflection and pride.
Construction of the
National World War II Memorial is currently underway in Washington, D.C. to
commemorate the sacrifices of the 400,000 people who lost their lives in the
war.
- The funeral service
industry is proud to take on a highly committed role in support of the
memorial.
- Along with funeral
professionals and others within funeral service, the National Funeral
Directors Association (NFDA) has been leading an effort to raise money
needed for construction of the $100 million memorial. The NFDA has
committed to a donation of $5 million.
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