Honouring a Veteran: A Guide to Planning a Military Commemoration
When preparing for the funeral or memorial service of a veteran, it becomes crucial to craft an event that truly respects and acknowledges the significant military contributions they made during their life. Commemorating their service becomes a heartfelt send-off, and careful planning ensures a meaningful ceremony.
To begin, families planning a veteran's funeral should explore eligibility for funeral assistance under the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 (MRCA). This assistance can offer a one-off benefit of up to $2,000, easing the financial burden associated with burial, cremation, or transportation. The Department of Veterans Affairs website provides detailed information on eligibility and how to make a claim, offering financial support during the planning process.
Adding military touches to the memorial service contributes to a memorable farewell. Consider showcasing your loved one's war medals, photographs from their time in service, and personal memorabilia such as a slouch hat or another part of their military uniform. Wearing poppies or sprigs of rosemary can serve as symbols of remembrance at veteran funerals.
For an additional formal component to a veteran's funeral, families can request an RSL representative to conduct a Poppy Service. This service includes presenting the veteran's military service record, reciting The Ode, sounding The Last Post and Rouse, and providing poppies for attendees. The involvement of family and friends in laying poppies on the casket adds a significant touch, symbolising the veteran's final act of bravery.
If the departed veteran had connections with other service members or veterans, consider asking them to serve as pallbearers. This act not only upholds the camaraderie valued in the armed forces but also provides a poignant sense of closure for both the veteran and their comrades.
Instead of traditional funeral songs, consider playing martial or patriotic songs during the service. The Last Post, a bugle call that signifies the end of the day's activities during war, holds particular significance. If possible, having a live bugler perform The Last Post at military funerals adds a fitting touch.
Many veterans are entitled to an official post-war commemoration in a cemetery or crematorium, facilitated by the Office of Australian War Graves (OAWG). This includes a war grave memorial inscribed with the veteran's service emblem. The OAWG provides bronze plaques for those buried in a lawn cemetery, while for cremated veterans, the plaques are set in crematorium wall niches or the Garden of Remembrance.
Consider honouring your loved one's legacy by suggesting memorial donations in lieu of flowers. Veterans, dedicated to serving their country, would appreciate the continuation of that legacy through charity donations. Local RSL clubs, Soldier On, Veterans & Veteran’s Families Counselling Service, and Lifeline are worthy causes to consider.
Honouring Veterans with Compassionate Services
Planning a veteran's funeral demands care and respect for their dedicated service. Funera Sydney is here to support your decisions and funeral arrangements with compassion. Reach out to us, or call us at the following numbers:
- Sydney Main: (02) 9954 6655
- Sydney: (02) 9954 6655
- Newcastle: (02) 4955 1110
- Wollongong: (02) 4243 8755
We are committed to providing thoughtful assistance during this challenging time.