U.S. Army Funeral Protocol
While all funerals tend to follow a particular protocol, United States military funerals take American history traditions into account. Understanding U.S. Army funeral etiquette will give you a deeper appreciation for military memorials.
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Taps
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"Taps" is a military bugle call played to honor fallen soldiers during Army funerals. While all branches of the military play this song, it was first adopted by the Army in 1874 and became the standard music for funerals in 1891.
American Flag
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During Army funerals, the American flag is draped over the soldier's casket, covering it. The blue part of the flag is placed over the part of the casket above the soldier's head and left shoulder. The flag is not buried with the casket and it is not to touch the ground at all. If a United States Army service member dies while on active duty, the Army provides the flag that will be used during the funeral ceremony. If the funeral is for an Army veteran, the Department of Veteran Affairs provides the flag.
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Gun Salutes
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The 21-gun salute dates back to early military life. It originally meant that the soldier who was saluting was in an unarmed position. Today, the 21-gun salute is part of Army funerals. There are also three rifle volleys that travel over the soldier's grave, originally a custom when fallen soldiers were being removed from the battlefield.
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