Tag Archives: Honoring Veterans

Military Honors Memorialize Veterans and Comfort Survivors

Old traditions honor fallen soldiers

The military is a closely knit subculture with many long-standing traditions. When an active duty soldier, a member of the selective reserves or a former soldier who has completed at least one full term of enlistment dies, the military offers … Continue reading

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“Billy Don’t Be a Hero” by Mitch Murray and Peter Callander

Song reflects grief and anger at the loss of a soldier

“Billy Don’t Be a Hero,” an anti-war song, premiered in the United Kingdom, where it was performed by the group Paper Lace. In 1974, Bo Donaldson and the Heywoods performed the song in the United States. It shot to the … Continue reading

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The Importance of Flags and Horses in American Military Funerals

An exploration of why flags and horses are so prominent in funerals for service members in the United States

As Veterans Day approaches, have you ever wondered why the caskets for military service members are always covered with American flags? Or why horses pull the caskets for presidents who receive military funerals? These traditions trace their roots back to … Continue reading

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The History Behind Firing Guns at Military Funerals

An exploration of the history behind firing guns and cannons to honor service members, veterans and diplomats at military funerals

Even for those who have never personally attended a military funeral, most Americans are familiar with the traditional customs that are practiced during the ceremony. The image of booming shots echoing in the calm of a grave site after a … Continue reading

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Traditional U.S. Military Funeral Service

How will you honor lost loved ones this Memorial Day?

Can you resist feeling moved when you hear the fire of the three-gun salute and the playing of Taps at a military funeral service? When I hear that — even when I see it in a movie! — I can’t help … Continue reading

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