A military funeral in the United States is a funeral given by the military for a veteran, a soldier who died in battle, or another prominent military figure. When they die, U.S. Presidents often receive military funerals.

Features of a military funeral

• The coffin is draped in a U.S. flag.
• The flag for someone who dies during active duty is provided by that individual's branch of service. Flags for veterans are provided by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs.
• The coffin is often transported by way of a horse-drawn caisson, a custom which police departments also sometimes follow. For funerals of former presidents, a riderless horse, symbolizing a fallen leader,usually accompanied the caisson.
• A cannon is fired, a practice which originated in the British Navy. When a cannon was fired, it partially disarmed the ship, therefore firing the cannon represents trust and respect.
• Gun salute for those eligible (i.e., general officers, presidents, other high-ranking officials)
• Three rifle volleys are fired over the gravesite.
• "Taps" is played on the bugle.

External links

• Military Funeral Customs - Arlington National Cemetery
• Image of a caisson
• Images of a caisson