How to Behave at a Military Funeral

To behave at a military funeral, you only need to show respect for the decedent and for formal military proceedings. Simply show your reverence and appreciation for the decedent like you would at any other funeral and watch military personnel do the same. Read on to learn how to behave a military funeral.

Instructions

1. Know when to salute if you are military personnel and covered. Salute when the hearse or caisson passes, the casket is being moved, during the firing volley, when "Taps" is performed and when the casket lowers into the grave. Saluting is required unless you are a pallbearer.

2. Remove your hat and place it over your heart in lieu of a salute if you are military personnel and are in civilian dress; you may also use your right hand if you're not wearing a hat.

3. Handle flags draped over caskets with care. Move and step carefully around the casket so that the flag will not accidentally fall to the ground or into the grave. Military personnel in charge of moving the casket and body should eventually pick up the flag and stretch it out over the casket.

4. Move military-themed funeral sprays decorated in red, white and blue towards the grave only after the flag has been draped over the casket.

5. Sit for the committal service read by a chaplain.

6. Witness the firing of three rifle volleys over the decedent's grave. These gunshots convey respect for the decedent and his contributions to the military.

7. Watch as the flag is folded by the chaplain military personnel and handed to the decedent's next of kin, close friend or associate.

8. Listen to the song "Taps" as it is performed by a bugler over the decedent's grave. Sounding "Taps" in honor of the decedent is an old military tradition in which surviving military personnel participate.

Tips & Warnings

• Inquire about badges of mourning if you are military personnel.

• Some military funerals have cannon and 21 gun salutes. These symbolize military trust and respect. Stay and watch them.