Veterans Overview
I, Lee Darlington, am a U.S. Army Veteran. Serving our country has had a profound influence in my life. This service and the resulting fellowship has been a source of joy and comfort for me over the years. I had the privilege of serving as a 91D Operating Room Specialist and worked at Fort Knox, Kentucky, Fort Sam Houston, Texas, Fort Drum, New York and for several years at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington D.C.
On a daily basis in my capacity, I witnessed the sacrifice, patriotism and pride of the men and women in all service branches who served selflessly. Some gave all. Our family has a great love and reverence for those who have served and those who serve on active duty and in the Guard.
Please contact us for information regarding discounted services and prearrangement programs. In honor of all those who have served our country, our family would like to express our appreciation.
We can honor and fulfill arrangements made at other funeral homes and financial institutions, please contact Darlington Cremation and Burial Service for details.
Below you will find detailed information provided by our local Military Funeral Honors Personnel that is helpful in preparation and planning ceremonies.
Military Funeral Honors
The rendering of Military Funeral Honors is a way to show the nation’s deep gratitude to those who have faithfully defended our country in times of war and peace
The ceremonial paying of respect is the final demonstration that a grateful nation can provide to a veteran’s family.
History and Symbolism
The Montana Army National Guard Honor Guard is a ceremonial unit comprised of highly trained Soldiers who are committed to providing the most dignified service possible. Our primary mission is to provide Funeral Honors for fallen Soldiers who have served honorably. A Military Funeral Honors (MFH) ceremony consists of the following:
Three-Volley Rifle Salute:
Often confused with the 21-Gun Salute, the Three-Volley Rifle Salute’s origin can be traced back to traditional battle ceasefires where each side would clear the dead. The firing of three volleys would indicate the dead were cleared from the battlefield and properly cared for.
Taps:
The ceremonial playing of Taps is often thought of as the “Warrior’s Lullaby” as it is employed while laying our honored Veterans to rest.
Flag-Fold and Presentation:
Historically, our Military would retire the flag every evening, folding it into a triangular shape, reminiscent of the headgear worn by our forefathers, so it could be placed indoors and guarded through the night until it would rise the following morning. As our fallen comrades will not rise again in this life, nor shall their flag be unfolded.
The preferred method is the DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty. If the DD Form 214 is not available, any discharge document showing honorable discharge from service can be used. The DD Form 214 may be obtained by filling out a Standard Form 180 and sending it to:
National Personnel Records Center(NPRC)
9700 Page Blvd.
St. Louis, MO 63132
The Standard Form 180 may be obtained from the National Records Center or via the following web site: http://www.archives.gov/research/order/standard-form-180.pdf
Is anyone else eligible to receive funeral honors?
Yes. Members of the Commissioned Officer Corps of the Public Health Service (PHS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), as members of a Uniformed Service, are also eligible to receive funeral honors.
For NOAA personnel, eligibility is established using NOAA Form 56-16, Report of Transfer or Discharge. If the family does not have a copy of the NOAA Form 56-16, it may by obtained by contacting the Chief, Officer Services Division, NOAA Commissioned Personnel Center at (301) 713-7715. or by writing:
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Commissioned Personnel Center
Chief, Officer Services Division (CPC1)
1315 East-West Highway, Room 12100
Silver Spring, Maryland 20910
For PHS personnel, funeral honors eligibility is established using PHS Form 1867, Statement of Service (equivalent to the DD Form 214). If the family does not have a copy of the Statement of Service, it may be obtained by contacting the Privacy Coordinator for the Commissioned Corps at (240) 453-6041 or writing:
Division of Commissioned Personnel/HRS/PSC
Attention: Privacy Act Coordinator
5600 Fishers Lane
4-36
Rockville, Maryland 20857
Special Note from the honor guard
As members of the Honor Guard it is our duty and great honor to render a final show of appreciation and respect to every fallen service member that faithfully served in the United States Military.
It is our sincere hope that you will allow us the opportunity to show our gratitude for the service rendered by those that served before us, and by doing so they set the standards for what it means to honorably and selflessly serve our great Nation.
NOTE: In order to schedule Military Honors, the staff at Darlington Cremation and Burial Service will need a copy of the deceased's Honorable Discharge paperwork, otherwise known as a DD-214.
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