History
A Proud History Of Military Service
One of the greatest honors we have is providing veterans' funeral services to the great people who served our country in the armed forces. We continue to support those who have served by offering the most comprehensive veterans' funeral options.
Bunker Family Funerals & Cremation has a proud history of military service going back to our founder, B. Allen Bunker (top row, second from right).
Guide
Are Military Funerals Free?
While military funerals are not free, veteran benefit programs will help a veteran's family cover some of the funeral costs. In fact, an honorably discharged member and his or her spouse can receive services worth up to $7,000, as well as a free burial at a veterans' memorial cemetery.
Veteran Benefits
Some Benefits Include:
- A United States flag
- Military honors
- A taps and flag presentation by your branch of service
- Burial at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona
The Veterans' Memorial Cemetery Will Provide:
- A plot at a vet cemetery
- Opening and closing of the grave space
- A standard government liner
- A bronze grave marker
- Use of the shelter for 30-minute services
The closest veterans' memorial cemetery is the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, located at 23029 Cave Creek Road, Phoenix, AZ, 85024. The cemetery is open Monday-Friday.
Requirements For Veteran Funeral And Burial Benefits
While almost all honorably discharged members of the military qualify for the above benefits, it is important that your family has the proper documentation to prove that you qualify. To ensure that all of your paperwork is in order and your benefits are secure, we highly recommend meeting with one of our veteran advance planning specialists.
Speak with a SpecialistComponents of a Military Funeral
Each component serves as part of a respected tradition for honoring men and women who have served our country.
An Honor Guard Detail
Honor guards are two members of the armed forces that attend the veteran's funeral. One or both attending members must be from the veteran's same branch. They carry out each step of the military funeral.
A Flag Draping
A key part of a military funeral is a draped burial flag over the veteran's casket or urn. It is a symbolic reminder of the veteran's service to the country and our flag.
A Sounding of Taps
"Taps" is the name for the bugle call or trumpet sounding that honors the veteran at a military funeral. The family can have a live bugler at the burial or play a recording.
A Three-Volley Salute
Some military funerals feature a "three-volley salute," consisting of three shots in the air from a rifle. The three shots symbolize duty, honor, and sacrifice.
A Flag Folding Ceremony
At the end of the military funeral, the honor guards will fold the flag that was draped on the veteran's casket with a precise 13-fold process and present it to the family.
Military Funerals with Bunker Funerals & Cremation
Military funerals take significant planning. At Bunker Hill Funerals & Cremation, we can help families organize a meaningful military funeral. In addition to planning and logistics for the service itself, our funeral home can also help families navigate the forms and requirements for receiving a veteran's burial and funeral benefits.
Bunker Family Funerals & Cremation has been serving families of Mesa, Arizona and the surrounding area for over a century. For more information, please call to schedule an appointment.
Call (480) 964-8686Request A Free Veterans Pre-Planning Guide
Our pre-planning guide can help veterans and their families arrange military services ahead of time, easing the burden during a time of grief.
Request Guide