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Veteran Services

Honoring Veterans

We’re proud to do our part in honoring our country’s veterans, and giving back to those whose sacrifice and patriotism define our great nation. Our duty is to provide you and your family with professional and dignified assistance during your time of need, and to support you in honoring your loved one for their dedication and selfless service.

We would be honored to help you make arrangements for any combination of traditional military tributes.

The loss of a loved one is an emotional and difficult time, and the passing of a member of the military should especially be met with honor and respect. We at Valles Funeral Home & Crematory are ready to serve families seeking military burial services.

We understand what a difficult time this is for you and your family, and that’s why we pledge to do whatever we can to make the process of arranging a military burial go as smoothly as possible. You can trust us to make all the necessary arrangements to ensure that your loved one receives the respect and recognition he or she deserves.

Planning a funeral isn’t easy, but at Valles Funeral Home & Crematory, we go out of our way to help the families of those who sacrificed for our nation. Call Valles Funeral Home & Crematory today to inquire about our military funeral honors ceremonies and discuss your specific needs.

Eligibility

Military funeral honors are free of charge and mandated by law for eligible veterans. Eligibility will be verified by the veteran’s DD-214, or discharge papers. Eligible members include:

  • Military members on active duty or in the Selected Reserve.
  • Former military members who served on active duty and departed under honorable conditions.
  • Former military members who completed at least one term of enlistment or period of initial obligated service in the Selected Reserve and departed under honorable conditions.
  • Former military members discharged from the Selected Reserve due to a disability incurred or aggravated in the line of duty.

Traditional Honors

At minimum, eligible veterans are entitled to the folding and presenting of the American flag to the next of kin and the playing of Taps by a bugler or recording. These honors are performed by an honor guard detail that consists of at least two members of the Armed Forces. One member must be a representative from the branch in which the veteran served, and this member will be the individual who presents the flag.

Honors also can include:

  • A three-volley rifle salute to represent duty, honor, and country
  • The U.S. flag draped over the casket
  • A final salute at the gravesite

Veteran Benefits

In addition to coordinating honors related to the service itself, we can help you communicate with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to arrange for:

  • A Presidential Memorial Certificate: This is a certificate expressing the nation's recognition of the veteran's service. The veteran's name is inscribed, and the certificate bears the signature of the President.
  • Headstones or markers: The VA provides headstones and markers for the graves of veterans anywhere in the world and for eligible dependents of veterans buried in national, state, or military cemeteries.
  • Memorial plots: If an eligible veteran's remains are not available for burial, the VA will provide a plot and headstone or marker in a national cemetery for memorialization. If you wish to place the memorial in a cemetery other than a national cemetery, the VA will provide the headstone or marker but not the plot itself.
  • Burial in a VA national cemetery: This includes the gravesite, opening and closing of the grave, a grave box, and perpetual care.
  • Reimbursement of burial expenses: For information on eligibility and the different levels of potential reimbursement, please review their Guide to VA Burial Allowances.

Additional Resources

Please visit the following links for detailed information about the options available for honoring service members and other aspects of military funerals:

Vallés Funeral Homes & Crematory
Phone: (786) 507-7288
Fax: (786) 507-7290
12830 NW 42nd Avenue, Opa Locka, FL 33054

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