Honoring the men and women who served our country through one of the United States military branches is a beautiful tribute that sometimes gets overlooked. At Roper & Sons in Lincoln, Nebraska, we’ve had the privilege of caring for hundreds of service members over the years, delivering them to their final resting place. That’s why we are committed to ensuring families know about military honors and how we can help coordinate those services when planning a veteran’s funeral.
Learn about the benefits available to veterans, how to receive them, and what the Honor Guard does during a funeral service.
A Final Salute of Respect and Remembrance
Including an Honor Guard is about more than a ceremony. It’s a quiet, moving way to acknowledge a life of service and offer deep respect for their commitment. For many families, it also brings a profound sense of comfort and a visible expression of gratitude that reflects what words often cannot.
The traditions and precision of the ceremony create a lasting, memorable tribute, one that families often carry with them long after the service has ended. And, as generations gather together, it’s a gentle reminder of the value of service, sacrifice, and legacy– connecting past, present, and future in a deeply personal way.
An Honor Guard Ceremony
Military funeral honors are a respectful way our nation expresses its gratitude for a life of service. When requested, The Department of Veterans Affairs provides these honors for eligible veterans. The tribute is carried out by at least two uniformed service members, with one representing the veteran’s branch—ensuring a personal and respectful connection.
In the Lincoln area, American Legion Post 3, Harris-Fraley VFW Post 131, and Miller-Long VFW Post 3606 perform the ceremonial tributes. Many of those who serve in the Honor Guard do so as volunteers—individuals who understand, in a personal way, the meaning of service. They are often veterans themselves, including those who are retired or active in organizations such as the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Their presence reflects a shared bond and a continued commitment to honoring one another.
Here in our community, there is often an added touch of care. A musician from the Lincoln Symphony Orchestra may offer to play “Taps,” bringing a deeply moving and familiar sound to the moment. During the service, the Honor Guard stands alongside the Military Honors Team to carefully fold the burial flag, present it to the family, fire the three-volley salute, and provide the final notes of remembrance. Each element carries deep symbolism and reflects longstanding military traditions.
Military Documents Required
To arrange an Honor Guard, certain documentation is needed to verify eligibility:
- DD Form 214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty). This is the most important document and confirms military service and discharge status.
- Discharge papers or separation documents (for older veterans, this may vary in format).
- Proof of honorable or general discharge. Eligibility for military funeral honors typically requires a discharge under conditions other than dishonorable.
If these documents aren’t readily available, our funeral directors can help you request them through the American Legion Post 3 or through the National Archives and Records Administration.
Because these honors are carefully coordinated, the Honor Guard is grateful for as much advance notice as possible—most arrangements are made within a few days to a week prior to the service. While donations are welcomed as a gesture of appreciation, there is no cost to families for the Honor Guard’s participation.
Planning Ahead
If you want to preplan your funeral and you are a veteran, please be sure to let our Family Services team know that you would like the Honor Guard included as part of your services. You can schedule a preplanning appointment by visiting our website or calling us at 402-476-1225.
Roper & Sons is committed to honoring our veterans. Let us help you create a meaningful service that includes the Honor Guard ceremony.