Veterans’ Services

Military Funeral Honors in Oakland

Every detail of a veteran’s farewell should reflect their service with dignity and honor. Our Oakland team coordinates the honor guard, flag-folding and “Taps,” allowing your family to focus on honoring your veteran.

Speak with a caring local director, day or night.

1909Founded

115+ Years Serving Oakland Families

100,000+ Families Served

24/7 Always Available

Honoring a Veteran’s Service

For a veteran’s family, military honors are a final salute from a grateful nation. They show this veteran’s life mattered. At Chapel of the Chimes, military funeral honors in Oakland are coordinated as part of the complete farewell. Your family will never have to arrange for the honor guard, ceremony or memorial on your own. From the time you call us, our team handles all the details. We work with the appropriate military and veterans’ organizations so your loved one is honored with the respect and dignity they earned through their service to our country. We arrange all the details from our home on Piedmont Avenue.

Military honor guard playing trumpets during a ceremony.

— How We Walk With You

What Military Honors Include

A military honors funeral follows protocol created over generations. The specific elements of a military ceremony depend on the veteran’s branch of service and eligibility, which our team confirms with you. We ensure that every tradition is honored and respected.

Flag Folding and Presentation

While all parts of a military honors service are meaningful, one of the most deeply personal traditions is the flag folding and presentation ceremony. The U.S. flag is removed from the casket and folded into the traditional triangle, then presented to a family member. The flag holder either bows to the family member or kneels as the flag is presented and says, “With the thanks of a grateful nation.” This moment is the one many East Bay area families carry with them. We ensure the presentation is unhurried and given its full dignity.

The Sounding of “Taps”

The 24 notes of “Taps” have closed military days and ceremonies for over a century. At a military funeral, they signal the veteran’s service to the country is concluded and it is time to bid them farewell. Honors traditionally include a live bugler, but when one is unavailable, a ceremonial bugle is used so the tradition is never disturbed. We coordinate this moment so it receives the respect and stillness it deserves.

Rifle Volley and the Honor Guard

An honor guard of uniformed service members renders the formal salute. Where provided, a rifle volley is fired as a mark of respect. This is a tradition often heard at military honor funerals across the East Bay. Our team arranges for the honor guard with appropriate military and veterans’ organizations. We walk your family through what to expect, so nothing about the ceremony feels unfamiliar.

Coordinating Honors and Eligibility

A veteran’s eligibility for military honors is generally tied to service and discharge status, as confirmed by their DD-214, or other discharge document. If this document cannot be located, our team will help you request it. Rather than handling the military paperwork alone, you can count on us to confirm your veteran’s eligibility and coordinate every honor they’ve earned. That’s what one team, one place is for.

1909 Founded

115+ Years Serving Oakland Families

100K+ Families Served

24/7 Always Available

— From the families

From Their Hearts to Ours

If a Death Has Occurred

If a loved one has passed and you need to arrange honors now, our team is ready to guide you through each step.

We’re available 24 hours a day.

Related Veterans’ Services

Coordinating military honors is just one part of how we serve those who have served. Explore our other support options for Oakland veteran families.

Veterans Burial Benefits and Eligibility

Understand benefits earned through service and eligibility.

Learn More

National and State Veterans Cemeteries

Guidance on final resting places reserved for those who served.

Learn More

Veteran Merchandise and Custom Tributes

Branch emblems, flag cases and urns that honor service.

Learn More

All Veteran Services

We assist your family in qualifying your veteran for every eligible service, including military honors and markers.

Learn More

Exterior view of the Chapel of the Chimes Oakland with arched windows and stone facade.

Common Questions

  • Military funeral honors are a final tribute provided to eligible veterans. At a minimum, they include a flag-draped casket, folding and presentation of the flag and the sounding of “Taps.” An honor guard renders the salute, and where available, a rifle volley is fired. We coordinate military honors funerals in Oakland for East Bay families.

A final note

We’re Here Whenever You Need Us

Whether you’re arranging a military honors service now or planning ahead, our Oakland team will ensure your veteran’s service is remembered with the dignity, respect and honor it deserves.

Need help right now? We’re available 24 hours a day.

We’re here for you during this difficult time.

Start Planning Today