Honoring Veterans
As Americans, we are grateful for the brave veterans who serve our country and know they deserve to be distinctively honored after their passing. At Gerst, we know that such a service may look different from family to family, and we want to be here to provide you with the information and resources you need to honor your veteran with the service they deserve.
Benefits of Veteran Services
There are many ways to honor your American hero, and many benefits come with the service of remembering a military member. These benefits are provided at no cost, and Gerst will help you with any application forms and monetary reimbursement the family is entitled to.
An American flag is provided to drape over the casket or alongside the urn at no cost
Headstone markers and medallions may be obtained from the Department of Veteran Affairs at no cost
Military families can receive the Presidential Memorial Certificate signed by our current Commander in Chief
Military funeral services can be held in public or private; veterans and their spouses may be buried at a national cemetery
Funeral Honors Service
The rendering of the Military Honors Service is free of charge to the family and mandated by the law. The presence of typically two honor guard details, who are members of military service, perform the ceremony, including the folding and presentation of the American flag to the next of kin while playing Taps. Families of eligible veterans can request the Funeral Honors Service through the funeral home director.
Funeral Honors Eligibility
- Military members on active duty or in the selected reserve
- Former military members who served on active duty and departed in conditions other than dishonorable
- Former military members who completed at least one term of enlistment or period of initial obligated service in the reserves and departed in conditions other than dishonorable
Questions?
616-949-7350
Grand Rapids
616-897-7101
Lowell
