What Every Funeral Director Should Know About Memorial Day Services

A Reflection on Best Practices and Traditions in Honoring Veterans and Military Families

Best Practices for Memorial Day Services

Understand Military Honors Protocols

A flag-draped casket, the playing of “Taps,” and a rifle volley are symbols of honor and tradition. Funeral directors must be well-versed in coordinating these elements with military personnel or veteran organizations. Know how to request honor guards and ensure proper flag etiquette is observed.

Collaborate with Veteran Groups

American Legion, VFW posts, and other veteran service organizations are often eager to participate in Memorial Day events. Establish strong partnerships and invite them to speak, present wreaths, or lead ceremonies.

Personalize the Tribute

Every veteran has a story. Work with families to include details about their loved one’s service – branch, rank, deployments, and commendations. Consider displaying photos, medals, or uniforms, and create programs that reflect the individual’s life and sacrifice.

Host or Support Community Events

Many funeral homes host Memorial Day services or support local events. Consider opening your chapel or grounds for a commemorative ceremony. Invite the public and provide a respectful space for reflection and gratitude.

Train Your Staff

Your team should be trained in military protocols and cultural sensitivity. This ensures every interaction with a veteran’s family is conducted with respect and knowledge.

Remember the Families

Behind every fallen soldier is a family left to carry the weight of their sacrifice. Memorial Day is also an opportunity to recognize and support them. Thoughtful gestures — a phone call, a card, or an invitation to a remembrance service — can mean more than words can say. As funeral directors, offering continued support long after the service is part of our commitment to community care.

Teaching the Next Generation

At John A. Gupton College, we emphasize that being a funeral director is not just a job — it’s a calling. Our curriculum and community engagement initiatives prepare students to serve not only with technical skills but also with deep compassion and cultural awareness. Memorial Day is a powerful reminder of the trust placed in our profession to honor the lives of those who served and to comfort the families who remember them.

In Closing

Memorial Day services are more than events on the calendar. They are acts of collective memory and national gratitude. For funeral directors, especially those entering the profession, they present a profound opportunity to serve with honor. As you prepare for Memorial Day, may you do so with the reverence and respect that such a day deserves.

John A. Gupton - Founded in 1946 – Nashville, Tennessee

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