Veterans

We Thank all of those who serve and have served for their unselfishness and dedication in the fight for freedom.

Military rites are made available for any deceased eligible veteran at the request of his or her family. Eligible veterans include military members on active duty, military retirees, members and former members of the Selected Reserve, eligible U.S. Veterans of any war, and other U.S. Veterans who served at least one term of enlistment and separated under conditions other than dishonorable.

The request for a military tribute can be made through the funeral director. The director will contact the local Veteran Organizations and arrange for the desired military rite. There are a variety of memorial services for you to choose from. The American flag presentation is a central part of all military rites. The flag is a symbol of liberty and freedom due to the sacrifices of many Americans. The United States Government provides a memorial flag to any veteran who is honorably discharged. The flag can be draped upon the casket or folded in military fashion and displayed as a tribute to the service rendered.

Military Funeral Honors is a way to show the Nation’s deep gratitude to those who have faithfully defended our country in times of war and peace. This ceremonial paying of respect is the final demonstration that can be provided to the veteran’s families in his/her honor.

Military Funeral Honors have always been provided whenever possible. The law now mandates the rendering of Military Funeral Honors for an eligible veteran if requested by the family. According to the law, an honor guard detail for the burial of an eligible veteran shall consist of not less than two members of the Armed Forces. One member must be a representative of the parent Service of the deceased veteran. The honor detail must perform a ceremony that includes the folding and presenting of the American flag to the next of kin and the playing of Taps. Taps will be played by a bugler or by an electronic recording. Military Funeral Honors are provided by the Department of Defense at no cost to the family.

The main elements of the Military Funeral Honors ceremony are:

Flag folding
Flag presentation
Taps

The veteran’s Service representative (same Branch as decedent) will present the flag. All veteran’s families are also eligible to receive the Presidential Memorial Certificate with an inscription expressing the nation’s grateful recognition of an honorably discharged, deceased veteran’s service in the Armed Forces. The veteran’s name is inscribed and the certificate bears the signature of the President. The family may request a Presidential Memorial Certificate either in person or at any VA regional office or by U.S. mail.

To all Honorably Discharged Military Service Veterans:

To thank you for your loyal and faithful service to our great nation, Gee & Sorensen will not charge your family for a Direct Cremation or a Direct Burial in the event that the Veterans death is in any VA Medical Center or nursing home in contract for the veterans care through a VA facility.

Gee & Sorensen has a long history of providing services to the men and women who have served our country. As a tribute to your sacrifice, we provide special discounts for veterans.

Additional Services Provided by Gee & Sorensen:

• Complete and filing of all necessary Veterans Administration forms and documents.
• Scheduling and directing all military honors for services.     
• Obtaining an American flag for your survivors.