Honor Your Hero: A Complete Guide to Veteran Sea Burial Benefits and Military Honors

When it comes time to say farewell to a beloved veteran, families often seek burial options that reflect their loved one’s service and dedication to country. For veterans seeking a final resting place that reflects their deep connection to the ocean, the U.S. Navy offers the distinguished service of Burial at Sea. This ceremonial tradition allows eligible veterans, active-duty members, and certain family members to be committed to the sea with full military honors.

Understanding Veteran Sea Burial Eligibility

Eligibility for burial at sea includes active duty service members, retirees, veterans honorably discharged, U.S. civilian marine personnel of the Military Sealift Command, and dependent family members of the above. The Defense Department provides military funeral honors to recognize the sacrifice and contributions of our nation’s veterans. Veterans who served in the active military, naval or air service, and were discharged or released from that service by means of an “honorable” or “under honorable conditions” discharge are eligible for these meaningful services.

To establish a veteran’s eligibility for military funeral honors, a DD Form 214, “Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty” or any discharge document showing honorable service is required. This documentation serves as proof of the veteran’s honorable service and opens the door to various memorial benefits.

Navy’s Official Burial at Sea Program

The Navy’s Burial at Sea Program enables families to provide for the final disposition of their service member’s cremated or casketed remains as part of a special onboard ceremony. The Navy offers this service free of charge to eligible families, though families may not attend as the Navy performs the ceremony while the ship is training or deployed. This military funeral honor recognizes a service member or veteran’s commitment and sacrifice to their country and provides comfort and gratitude to their families.

The timeline for Navy burials at sea can be extensive. Once the port receives this documentation, it can take: Three months to be assigned to a U.S. vessel · Two weeks prior to the ship’s deployment to notify the family · One year for the ship to deploy (when burial at sea will occur) Until the ship returns from deployment for the family to receive a video of the service and a map showing where the burial took place

Military Honors and Ceremonial Elements

The ceremony includes traditional elements such as the playing of “Taps,” a rifle volley, and the presentation of the flag, creating a solemn and memorable tribute to the veteran’s service. The military will provide the Military Funeral Honors to the eligible beneficiary, which consists of the ceremonial folding and presentation of the American flag and the sounding of Taps. The ceremony is normally provided by a military funeral honors detail of two or more uniformed military personnel, with at least one being a member of the veteran’s parent service.

The family may provide a burial flag, which will be flown at half-mast on the ship during the committal service, and then returned to them. If they don’t provide a flag, the Navy will provide one but won’t return it to the family after the ceremony.

Alternative Options for Attended Sea Burials

While the Navy’s program offers free burial at sea services, families cannot attend these ceremonies as they occur during active deployments. For families seeking an attended ceremony, private sea burial services provide meaningful alternatives. Companies like Eternal Peace Sea Burials specialize in providing dignified sea burial services with family attendance.

At Eternal Peace Sea Burials, we understand the profound significance of saying goodbye to a loved one. Located in the serene regions of Nassau County and Queens, NY, our company specializes in providing dignified sea burial services. For families seeking Sea Burials Nassau County, NY, this service offers the opportunity for loved ones to be present during the ceremony.

Environmental and Legal Considerations

Eco-friendly sea burials also minimize environmental impact, aligning with the values of those committed to preserving nature. We conduct all sea burials in compliance with environmental regulations, preserving the natural beauty of Nassau County. We take great care in preserving the natural surroundings, making it a responsible choice for environmentally conscious people. Our commitment to sustainability aligns with our dedication to providing a dignified and memorable service for each family.

Additional Veteran Benefits

Beyond the burial ceremony itself, veterans who choose sea burial remain eligible for other memorial benefits. Active-duty service members and Veterans who were buried at sea may be eligible for a headstone or marker. A United States flag is provided, at no cost, to drape the casket or accompany the urn of a Veteran who served honorably in the U.S. Armed Forces. It is furnished to honor the memory of a Veteran’s military service to his or her country.

Families may also be eligible for Presidential Memorial Certificates. A Presidential Memorial Certificate (PMC) is a gold-embossed paper certificate bearing the official signature of the President of the United States. It honors the memory of a Veteran and expresses the country’s grateful recognition of his or her service in the Armed Forces.

Planning and Documentation Requirements

The process begins with a request from the veteran’s family, who must provide essential documents, including a copy of the death certificate, discharge papers, and a completed Burial at Sea request form. For Navy burials at sea, families should contact the Navy and Marine Corps Mortuary Affairs office at 833-330-6622.

For private sea burial services, Arranging a sea burial with Eternal Peace Sea Burials is a straightforward and compassionate process. We begin with an initial consultation where you can discuss your needs and preferences with our team.

Honoring Service with Dignity

Military funeral honors are a benefit earned by all who served honorably in the US Armed Forces and are provided free of charge as a last “thank you” from a grateful nation. Whether through the Navy’s official program or private services, sea burial offers a meaningful way to honor veterans who felt a connection to the ocean throughout their lives.

Burial at Sea is a unique and deeply meaningful way to honor the memory of deceased individuals who have dedicated their lives to serving the United States as members of its Armed Forces. The purpose of this time-honored tradition is to provide a dignified form of final disposition for eligible veterans and their loved ones, while also demonstrating respect and gratitude for their service and sacrifice.

For families considering sea burial options, understanding both military benefits and private alternatives ensures that veterans receive the honor and dignity they deserve, whether through official Navy ceremonies or attended services that allow families to participate in this final tribute to their hero’s service.