Honoring Our Veterans: Veterans Funeral Services in Colorado
Honoring our veterans is a privilege rather than a duty. In Colorado, we take this responsibility seriously, ensuring dignified funeral services for our veterans. At Malesich and Shirey Funeral Home & Colorado Crematory, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive and respectful veterans funeral services tailored to honor the brave men and women who have served our country.
\This article introduces the veteran funeral services we offer at Malesich and Shirey. Our goal is to give an overview of Veterans Funeral Services in Colorado, helping people understand the different aspects related to veterans funeral services offered.
Understanding Veterans Funeral Services
Veteran funeral services are a noble tradition that pays respect to those who have served in the United States military. These services combine military protocols and personal preferences, creating a special and respectful celebration of the veteran’s life.
At Malesich and Shirey, we understand that every family has unique needs. Therefore, we offer customized military and veteran funeral services to ensure that each ceremony reflects the individual’s service and the family’s wishes. If you have any questions or special requirements, please call us at 720-242-6784.
Key Features of Veterans Funeral Services
Veterans funeral service often includes several key elements that honor the individual’s service and dedication:
Playing of ‘Taps’
‘Taps’ is a solemn bugle call that signifies the final salute. This piece of music is steeped in tradition and reverence, providing a poignant moment of reflection during the service. The playing of ‘Taps’ serves as a powerful tribute to the veteran’s dedication and sacrifice. This haunting melody has been a staple of military funerals since the Civil War, symbolizing the peaceful rest of a soldier who has served their nation with honor.
Ceremonial Folding and Presentation of the U.S. Flag
The ceremonial folding and presentation of the U.S. flag is a time-honored tradition. The flag is meticulously folded into a triangle, symbolizing the tri-cornered hats worn by colonial soldiers during the American Revolution. The folds of the flag represent important values like freedom, togetherness, and the sacrifices of our military. The folded flag is then presented to the veteran’s next of kin as a token of respect and gratitude from a grateful nation.
Honor Guard Participation
Members of the honor guard can be requested as pallbearers. If available, they will perform a rifle volley to honor the fallen veteran.
The presence of the honor guard adds a dignified and ceremonial aspect to the veterans funeral service. The rifle volley, a tradition that dates back centuries, serves as a final salute to the deceased, symbolizing respect and farewell. It is important to note that requests for an honor guard must be made in advance to ensure their availability.
Flag Draping and Final Gravesite Salute
The flag is draped over the casket during the veterans funeral service, symbolizing the veteran’s service to the country. The service often concludes with a final gravesite salute, providing a moment of solemn reflection and honor. This act of draping the flag is a visual representation of the nation’s gratitude for the veteran’s service and sacrifice, creating a moving and respectful conclusion to the ceremony.
Benefits Offered to Veterans in Colorado
Veterans in Colorado are entitled to numerous benefits that help honor their service and provide support to their families. These benefits include:
Burial Plot at a National VA Cemetery
Veterans can be buried at national VA cemeteries, such as Fort Logan National Cemetery in Denver and Pikes Peak National Cemetery in Colorado Springs. These cemeteries provide a dignified final resting place for those who have served our country. The serene and beautifully maintained grounds of these cemeteries offer a place of peace and reflection for families and loved ones.
VA-Provided Grave Marker
The VA provides a grave marker to honor the veteran’s service. These markers serve as a permanent tribute to the individual’s dedication and sacrifice. Available in various styles, including headstones, markers, and medallions, these grave markers ensure that the veteran’s service and memory are preserved for future generations.
Burial Flag
A burial flag is provided to drape over the casket. This flag is later folded and presented to the next of kin as a token of appreciation and respect. The burial flag serves as a lasting reminder of the veteran’s service and the nation’s gratitude, often becoming a cherished family heirloom.
Presidential Memorial Certificate
A Presidential Memorial Certificate, signed by the current President, is provided to the family free of charge. This certificate recognizes the veteran’s service and is a meaningful keepsake for the family. It bears the signature of the sitting President and is a testament to the nation’s appreciation for the veteran’s contributions.
Additionally, financial benefits are available through the Veterans Burial Allowance. This allowance helps cover burial and funeral costs, easing the financial burden on families during their time of loss. For more information, visit the Veterans Affairs website.
Local Veterans Cemeteries in Colorado
In the Colorado Front Range, there are two national cemeteries to honor our fallen heroes:
Fort Logan National Cemetery
Located in Denver, Fort Logan National Cemetery provides a serene and respectful final resting place for veterans. The cemetery’s beautiful grounds and solemn atmosphere offer a fitting tribute to those who have served. With its meticulously maintained landscape and peaceful surroundings, Fort Logan National Cemetery stands as a testament to the nation’s gratitude and respect for its veterans.
Pikes Peak National Cemetery
Situated in Colorado Springs, Pikes Peak National Cemetery offers a tranquil and dignified setting for veterans’ burials. The cemetery’s picturesque location and carefully maintained grounds ensure a respectful and honorable burial site. Overlooking the stunning Pikes Peak and the surrounding landscape, this cemetery provides a place of solace and remembrance for families and visitors.
Our Commitment to Honoring Veterans
At Malesich and Shirey Funeral Home and Crematory, we are deeply committed to honoring the lives and services of our veterans. We feel it is our duty to assist families in tough times. We also aim to create a unique tribute for your deceased loved one.
Our team is dedicated to providing compassionate and professional support throughout the funeral planning process. We understand the unique needs of military families and strive to ensure that every aspect of the veterans funeral service reflects the honor and respect that veterans deserve.
Special Offer in Honor of Our Founder
In honor of our founder, we offer a 10% discount on all veterans funeral services and merchandise for veterans. This discount is a small token of our appreciation for the sacrifices made by our veterans and a reflection of our commitment to supporting military families. Our founder believed deeply in honoring those who served, and we continue this legacy by offering this special discount. This offer not only helps ease the financial burden on families but also stands as a testament to our founder’s dedication to the veteran community.
We recognize that planning a funeral can be a challenging and emotional process, especially when honoring a loved one who served our country. Our team is here to provide guidance, support, and the highest level of care to ensure that the ceremony is both meaningful and respectful.
Contact Us
If you need more information on Veterans Funeral Services in Colorado, please do not hesitate to contact us at 720-242-6784. We’re here to assist you every step of the way. Our knowledgeable and compassionate staff are available to answer any questions and help you navigate the process of planning a veteran’s funeral.
By choosing Malesich and Shirey, you are ensuring that your loved one receives the honor and respect they deserve. Our comprehensive services, commitment to excellence, and special discounts reflect our dedication to honoring our veterans with the dignity and respect they have earned. We are honored to serve the veteran community and their families, providing a fitting tribute to those who have dedicated their lives to protecting our nation.