Military Funeral Honors

Honoring Those Who Served is our commitment to recognize the sacrifice and contributions of our nation’s veterans. The rendering of military funeral honors is one of the ways to show the nation’s deep gratitude to those who, in times of war and peace, have faithfully defended our country. The ceremonial playing of Taps, the folding of the American flag and presenting it to the next-of-kin are the final demonstrations that a grateful nation can provide to veterans’ families.

To request Military Funeral Honors for an eligible veteran, you must be a family member or a representative of the family of the deceased, and possess a copy of the service member's DD214 or official discharge papers. Please complete the Online Request for Military Funeral Honors form below. You can also download the form and e-mail or print and send it along with the servicemember's DD214 or official discharge papers to the Springfield office (contact information is in the form).

Click on the button below, complete the fillable PDF form and click "SUBMIT" at the bottom of page 2. To download the form, you may right-click the link and select "save target as."

Join the team!

In order to meet the increasing demand for military funeral honors, the Illinois Army National Guard (ILARNG) Honor Guard needs you to become part of our team. To apply, you must be an ILARNG Soldier in good standing with your present unit, and meet U.S. Army height and weight standards as outlined in Army Regulation 600-9.

For training, preparation and performance of military funeral honors, Soldiers receive a day’s base pay and will be awarded retirement points not exceeding 365.

For more information on joining the MFH team, or to find out about current openings, fill out the contact form below.

Our phone and mailing address are listed below; for general inquiries, questions pertaining to the program, or questions on how to become a member of our team fill out the form below. Just select Illinois Army National Guard Military Funeral Honors from the drop-down and fill out the form!

Illinois Army National Guard Military Funeral Honors

1301 N. MacArthur Blvd.
Springfield, IL 62702
217-761-2929

Quick Facts
  • By law, an honor guard detail for the burial of an eligible veteran shall consist of not less than two members of the U.S. Armed Forces.
  • One member of the detail should be a representative of the parent service of the deceased veteran whenever possible.
  • The U.S. Armed Forces honor detail will, at a minimum, perform a ceremony that includes the playing of Taps and folding and presentation of the American flag to the next-of-kin.
  • Military funeral honors are provided by the Illinois Army National Guard in the State of Illinois, under the direction of the U.S. Department of Defense, at no cost to the family.