Our Mission
East Tennessee Veterans Honor Guard is established to honor the military service of deceased veterans. Our desire is to see that the highest honor is paid to our deceased brothers and sisters, as well as, their families.
This volunteer organization has also been established to bring about consistency in planning of the ceremonial activities related to a military service. The emotional impact at such time can be overwhelming. To have a resource available to use as a guide is a great relief to those involved in the planning of such an event.
What does the East TN Veterans Honor Guard do?
A military funeral with full honors performed by ETNVHG is a solemn, dignified and memorable way to commemorate the life of one who served their country in uniform. Military honors consist of a military eulogy, rifle volley, taps, and folding and presenting an American Flag.
The Military Eulogy
A brief recap of the military history of the deceased, including what the person did while serving, rank at time of discharge, and years served. It is normally performed by a person from the same branch of service.
The Rifle Volley
The Rifle Volley consists of 3 rifle shots performed by up to 7 riflemen.
The Playing of Taps
Taps is a symbolic call to rest that is, of course, performed by a bugler after the rifle volley.
Flag Presentation
Folding and Presenting of the American Flag. This is sometimes performed by active duty personnel from the honorees branch, but many times it is performed by members of the East Tennessee Veterans Honor Guard.
How to
Request Honors
Requesting Military honors is accomplished in different ways depending on if using a funeral home to assist or the family is planning without a funeral home’s assistance.
Through the Funeral Home
If using a funeral home they will assist in the planning from scheduling to contacting ETNVHG. They will explain the necessary items required and assist where necessary.
Family Planned Services
If the family is doing the planning you may contact us directly via email or through this website. A representative of ETNVHG will assist you with planning and scheduling the service and will answer your questions through the process.
WHAT IS NEEDED
- To establish a veteran’s eligibility for military funeral honors the a DD Form 214, “Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty” or any discharge document showing honorable service is required. The DD Form 214 may be obtained by using the online order form or completing a Standard Form 180.
- An American Flag to be folded and presented can be picked up at a Post Office. They will require a copy of the DD-214 and a copy of the death certificate.