How to Request a Coast Guard Honor Guard

A Coast Guard Honor Guard should be requested at the time of death for individuals who have served in the United States Coast Guard. Requesting a Coast Guard Honor Guard is simple and honors the deceased for their distinguished service. Read on to learn how to request a Coast Guard Honor Guard.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Notify the funeral director that the deceased is eligible for burial with military honors. The funeral director will notify the nearest Coast Guard Honor Guard of the need for a funeral detail.
2. Advise the funeral director that a minimum of two Coast Guard Honor Guard members will be present to fold and present the United States flag to the next of kin, and they should be given notice at least 48 hours in advance of the requested funeral.
3. Contact the Veterans Administration (VA) should the funeral director be unfamiliar with the process of arranging for a Coast Guard Honor Guard. The nearest VA office can assist in arranging the funeral detail.
4. Arrange the detail yourself by contacting the Command Post of the nearest Coast Guard base. Request to speak with the Petty Officer in Charge of the base Honor Guard and request the funeral detail.

Tips & Warnings

• Coast Guard Honor Guard details for funerals are provided free of charge.
• Ask the Veterans Administration what documentation is required to have the Coast Guard Honor Guard burial detail.
• The Veterans Administration provides the funeral home, free of charge, the flag that is draped over the casket and presented to the family. A flag may also be requested from your local U.S. Post Office.
• Only Coast Guard veterans who died on active duty, retired or who were discharged under conditions other than dishonorable are eligible for a Coast Guard Honor Guard.
• A full Coast Guard Honor Guard may not be available depending upon previous commitments. A minimum of two Coast Guard Honor Guard members will be present to fold and present the United States flag to the next of kin.
• A bugler is not always available for the funeral service.