The sound of Taps played on a bugle echoes the selflessness and courage of our men and women in uniform. The handing over of the folded American flag is the ultimate reminder of what they served for. There is no better way a family can honor the memory of a family member who has served in our Armed Forces than with a Military Funeral Honor’s Ceremony.
Valparaiso’s Bartholomew Funeral Home offers these traditional Military Funeral Honors Ceremonies to veterans who have served our country. They work with local guards to fold and present of the United States flag to the veterans' family. A bugler is provided to play Taps.
“This is a service we take a lot of pride in,” said Michael Newhard, the owner of Bartholomew Funeral home. “We work with the family and the Honor Detail to see every request and specialization is met. A funeral needs to be about grieving and stepping closer to closure for the family. With this service we give veterans the honor they deserve and we also continue to help families grieve as well.”
The ceremony is performed by a Funeral Honors Detail, consisting of at least two members of the Armed Forces. Funeral Honors rendered to deceased veteran are be determined by the status of the veteran. American Legion Post 94 in Valparaiso is often a main source of support in providing the service for the family. The type of Funeral Honors may be Full Military Honors, 7 Person Detail or a Standard Honors Team Detail. At least one of the funeral honors detail will be from the military branch of the deceased veteran. Military Funeral Honor Teams may act as Pall Bearers if requested by the veteran/family as well.
Bartholomew Funeral home asks veterans to establish their eligibility for the ceremony to see if they qualify. The preferred method is the DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty. If the DD Form 214 or equivalent is not available, any discharge document showing other than dishonorable service can be used. The DD Form 214 may be obtained by filling out a Standard Form 180 and sending it to:
National Personnel Records Center(NPRC) 9700 Page Blvd. St. Louis, MO 63132
For more information on Military Funeral Honors Ceremonies or additional services contact Bartholomew Funeral home at 219-462-4102 or visit them at www.bartholomewnewhard.com.
