Veteran Services
At Miller & Miller Funeral Home, we deeply honor the courage and sacrifice of those who have served our country. We recognize that our freedoms are made possible by their patriotism, dedication, and unwavering commitment to protect others.
Our team is proud to support veterans and their families by providing compassionate guidance and expert assistance in securing the benefits available through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. We are here to ensure every veteran is honored with the dignity and respect they deserve.
Veterans Day
When we think of November holidays, chances are Thanksgiving springs to mind first. But the first November holiday we celebrate in America is Veterans Day on November 11, which is our day to give thanks to the men and women who have served in the military. This Veterans Day, take a moment to reflect on the sacrifices veterans have made and thank a veteran in your community.
A History - Celebration and Tribute
Veteran's Day, originally called Armistice Day, began November 11, 1919. President Woodrow Wilson commemorated the first anniversary of the end of World War I (which ended at 11 a.m. on November 11, 1918). He paid tribute to Allied soldiers who lost their lives in "the war to end all wars." November 11 became a holiday, under different names, in the U.S., France, the United Kingdom and Canada.
In 1954, the holiday became known as Veterans Day in America to honor American veterans, living and dead, who served honorably in the military during war or peace. According to the Veterans Administration, there are 25 million living veterans. Veterans Day reminds us to thank them for their service while they are living, and to celebrate the freedoms they have protected.
In addition to expressing our appreciation to living veterans, Americans pay tribute to those who lost their lives fighting for our freedoms. The official national ceremony for Veterans Day is held each Nov. 11 at 11 a.m. at the Tomb of the Unknowns in Arlington National Cemetery. Color guards from all U.S. military services "Present Arms" at the tomb, a presidential wreath is laid and a bugler plays "Taps."
What You Can Do
Korean and Vietnam War veteran Robert W. Skelton, Chief Warrant Officer, U.S. Army (Retired) of Lynn Haven, FL says, "I was honored to serve my country with distinction as did my father, brothers and uncles before me. The sense of pride in all veterans is tantamount to the preservation of our freedoms and way of life. Thank a veteran every day, not just on Veterans Day." Here are some ways you can say "thanks."
- Simply say "thank you" to someone who has served
- Attend a Veterans Day parade or public ceremony
- Fly an American flag
- Donate time or money to a veteran's organization
- Write a letter or poem expressing your gratitude. Ask the editor of your local paper to publish it
- Send a card, letter or care package to someone who is serving our country away
from home - Learn more about America's military history by reading a nonfiction book or asking veterans to share their experiences
- If you're a veteran, share your experiences with someone. The Veteran's History Project, administered by the Folklife Center at the Library of Congress, is collecting and preserving audio and videotaped oral histories, letters, diaries, maps, photographs, home movies and other documentary materials of American veterans and those who've worked in support of them.
Learn More
Here are some websites where you can learn more or look for other ideas on honoring veterans in your community:
What are VA burial benefits and memorial items?
The VA burial benefits are designed to assist service members, veterans, and their families plan and pay for a burial or memorial service in a VA national cemetery. Memorial items are provided through the Veterans Affairs to honor the service of those who have served the country.
Who qualifies for burial benefits and burial in a national cemetery?
Veterans, service members, spouses, and dependents may be eligible for burial in a VA national cemetery, as well as other benefits, if they meet one of the requirements listed below:
- A veteran who didn’t receive a dishonorable discharge
- A service member who died while on active duty, active duty for training, or inactive duty for training
- The spouse or minor child of a veteran, even if the veteran died first
- In some cases, the unmarried adult dependent child of a veteran
What are military funeral honors and a committal service?
Military funeral honors include the playing of “Taps,” a rifle detail, a color guard and uniformed service members who properly fold and present the United States flag to the grieving family. These flags are typically given to the deceased’s next of kin or close friend. In order for the survivors to qualify to receive the burial flag, the veteran or reservist must be described by at least one of the following:
- Served in wartime
- Died while serving on active duty after May 27, 1941
- Served after January 31, 1955
- Served in peacetime and left military service before June 27, 1950, after serving at least one enlistment or because of a disability that was caused - or made worse - by their active military service
- Served in the Selected Reserves, or served in the military forces of the Philippines while in service of the United States and died on or after April 25, 1951.
What are burial benefits and how do I apply?
The veterans death benefits help cover the burial, funeral and transportation costs associated with the deceased’s services and disposition. For those being buried in a national cemetery, survivors can receive assistance with the burial and funeral costs, the plot or internment, and the transporting of the veteran’s remains for burial.
You must file a claim for a non-service-connected burial allowance within two years after the veteran’s burial or cremation. There is no time limit to file for a service-connected burial, plot or interment allowance.
You can apply online at https://www.va.gov/burials-and-memorials/application/530/introduction or by mail after completing the VA Form 21P-530.
Eligible Veterans and service members may qualify for memorial items provided by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, including headstones, markers, burial flags, and certificates. Learn more about available items and eligibility at
https://www.va.gov/burials-memorials/memorial-items/
The Department of Veterans Affairs also provides a headstone for unmarked graves of an eligible deceased veteran at no charge. To request a headstone, grave marker, or niche marker, fill out the VA Form 10-1330 and send to:
Department of Veterans Affairs
5109 Russell Road
Quantico, VA 22134-3909
For more information regarding VA burial benefits and memorial items, visit:
https://www.va.gov/burials-memorials/ or contact the VA office at 1-800-827-1000.