Starting from the Administration Building
Those military members who obtained the grade of E-9, CW-4 and CW-5, and O-4 and above or service members, regardless of rank who receive the Medal of Honor or who are killed in action, may receive military funeral honors with funeral escorts provided by the decedent’s branch of service.
The elements of military funeral honors with escort include:
A Casket Team
(Body Bears/Pallbearers)
A casket is carried foot first, except for that of a clergyman which is carried headfirst. U.S. flags over military caskets are placed so that the blue field is at the head and over the shoulder of the deceased to symbolize service to the nation. The casket is draped before it arrives for services and remains draped until the flag is folded graveside. The cap and sword of the deceased is never displayed atop a flag-draped casket (nothing touches the flag). Caskets are transported to the cemetery in a hearse or caisson.
A Firing Party
The honors leader calls all honors participants to “present arms,” and commands the squad to fire their weapons in unison for a total of three volleys. Military personnel and veterans solute facing the casket from the first volley to the last.
The tradition of three volleys comes from an old battlefield custom. The two warring sides would cease hostilities in order to clear their dead from the battle ground. Firing three volleys meant that the dead had been properly cared for and that the side was ready to resume battle.
The Bugler
It is widely considered the most poignant moment of a military funeral. Again instead of facing the music it is appropriate to face the casket. Military personnel salute from the first note to the last note fades, When the honor leader calls all honor participants to “order arms” and the Chaplin request mourners to be seated for the folding of the flag.
The American history of taps began during the Civil War when Union Army Capt. Robert Ellicombe discovered the body of his son on the battlefield. The boy had been studying music in the south and without telling his father had enlisted in the Confederate Army. In his uniform pocket was a series of musical notes composing a haunting melody. The Union captain buried his Confederate Army son with a lone bugler playing the notes of taps.
An Escort Element
A Military Band
A Caisson
Caparisoned (Riderless) Horse
Officers in the rank of colonel and above in the Army and the Marine Corps may be provided a caparisoned (riderless) horse, if available.
A Cannon Salute
General/flag officers of the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard may receive a cannon salute (17 guns for a four-star general, 15 for a three-star, 13 for a two-star, 11 for a one-star), if available. Minute Guns may be used for general officers/flag officers of the Navy, Coast Guard and Marine Corps. The President of the United States is entitled to a 21-gun salute, while other high state officials receive 19 guns.
Photography
and Video Combo
This is our most popular coverage type with families.
what we do
We shoot with at least two Nikon or Canon professional cameras and large lenses. We always shoot RAW and convert your photos to JPEGs for delivery. Historically, we shoot on average 438 photos at a service – sometimes more, sometimes less owing to the unique nature of each service.
and
The ultra high definition 4K digitally mastered DVD or Blu-ray is designed to ensure the best possible viewing experience, complete with an interactive menu and extras – including a ten-minute video of the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknowns. Our acquisition and editing practices meet and exceed the production requirements of broadcast companies likeNational Geographic, BBC HD and Discovery HD. Our video packages include at least two professional broadcast-quality ultra high-definition 4K Sony cameras (Not Go-Pros). The USB thumb drive and the on line video file is in ultra high definition 4K and a great option for modern computers without an optical drive.
What is included
We will provide you with more than 200 high-resolution photographs on one of the following:
- A custom printed personalized photo DVD-ROM data disc;
- OR a photo USB thumb drive;
- OR one year online private photo storage.
One item is included. Additional items are available as add-ons at $45 each.
A copyright transfer is included.
and
We will also provide you with one of the following:
- An interactive video DVD or Blu-ray disc;
- OR a video USB thumb drive;
- OR an online private video link.
A copyright transfer is included.
One item is included. Additional items are available as add-ons at $45 each.
Your photo DVD-ROM disc, photo USB thumb drive, video DVD, video Blu-ray disc or video USB thumb-drive will NOT be copy protected, so you can make your own copies
Ready to Book?
Full Honors Photo/Video Combo: $1,395.00
Photography Only
WHAT WE DO
We shoot with at least two Nikon or Canon professional cameras and large lenses. We always shoot RAW and convert your photos to JPEGs for delivery. Historically, we shoot on average 438 photos at a service – sometimes more, sometimes less owing to the unique nature of each service.
what is included
We will provide you with more than 200 high-resolution photographs on one of the following:
- A custom printed personalized photo DVD-ROM data disc;
- OR a photo USB thumb drive;
- OR one year online private photo storage.
One item is included. Additional items are available as add-ons at $45 each.
A copyright transfer is included.
Your photo DVD-ROM disc and USB thumb drive will NOT be copy protected, so you can make your own copies.
Ready to Book?
Full Honors Photo Only: $695.00
Video Only
what we do
The ultra high definition 4K digitally mastered DVD or Blu-ray is designed to ensure the best possible viewing experience, complete with an interactive menu and extras – including a ten-minute video of the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknowns. Our acquisition and editing practices meet and exceed the production requirements of broadcast companies likeNational Geographic, BBC HD and Discovery HD. Our video packages include at least two professional broadcast-quality ultra high-definition 4K Sony cameras (Not Go-Pros). The USB thumb drive and the on line video file is in ultra high definition 4K and a great option for modern computers without an optical drive.
What is included
We will also provide you with one of the following:
- An interactive video DVD or Blu-ray disc;
- OR a video USB thumb drive;
- OR an online private video link.
One item is included. Additional items are available as add-ons at $45 each.
Your video DVD, video Blu-ray disc or video USB thumb-drive will NOT be copy protected, so you can make your own copies
Ready to Book?
Full Honors Service Video Only: $745.00
Need more information, or are you ready to book? Call us toll-free: 1 (800) 852-7015, or email: contact at arlington.media, or fill out this form below and we’ll get started.
Go to the full page to view and submit the form.
Arlington National Cemetery’s Official Website is: www.arlingtoncemetery.mil.