Tel: 1-440-632-0818


Veterans Overview

As a retired U.S. Navy Veteran, I understand the long hours and personal sacrifice you have given for our beloved country. My family and I salute you and say "Thank You!"

The basic Military Funeral Honors (MFH) ceremony consists of the folding and presentation of the United States flag to the veterans' family and the playing of Taps. The ceremony is performed by a funeral honors detail consisting of at least two members of the Armed Forces.

The Funeral Honors rendered to you or your veteran will be determined by the status of the veteran.  The type of Funeral Honors may be Full Military Honors, 7 Person Detail or a Standard Honors Team Detail.

At least one of the funeral honors detail will be from the Armed Force in which the deceased veteran served.  Taps may be played by a bugler or, if a bugler is not available, by using a quality recorded version. Military Funeral Honor Teams may act as Pall Bearers if requested by the veteran/family.

Who is eligible for Military Funeral Honors?

  • Military members on active duty or in the Selected Reserve.
  • Former military members who served on active duty and departed under conditions other than dishonorable.
  • Former military members who completed at least one term of enlistment or period of initial obligated service in the Selected Reserve and departed under conditions other than dishonorable.
  • Former military members discharged from the Selected Reserve due to a disability incurred or aggravated in the line of duty.

Who is not eligible for Military Funeral Honors?

  • Any person separated from the Armed Forces under dishonorable conditions or whose character of service results in a bar to veteran's benefits. 
  • Any person who was ordered to report to an induction station, but was not actually inducted into military service. 
  • Any person discharged from the Selected Reserve prior to completing one term of enlistment or period of initial obligated service for reasons other than a disability incurred or aggravated in the line of duty.
  • Any person convicted of a Federal or State capital crime sentenced to death or life imprisonment.

How do I establish veteran eligibility?

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 other than dishonorable 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

 


In this section

Veterans Overview

Veterans Headstones

Veterans Burial Flags

Testimonials

We are always interested in hearing from the families that we serve.  

Please take a moment to let us know how well we served you in your time of need. We very much appreciate your feedback.

Thank you, Gary, for making us feel comfortable and answering all the questions we had as we went through this process to say goodbye to Thumbsie. We also loved seeing her on the site you have with all the other animals. Such a great idea. Thanks again Gary for all the warmth you gave us. It's been very hard on us without having her here after so many years.

Chris and Rich Bailey
March 1, 2026

Its been 2 years since Blaz our english mastiff passed i should have wrote this then but I still grieve even though he weighed 260 lbs my husband said you were so gentle with him and the urn with the necklace holding his ashes is beautiful I have finally started wearing it thank you so much for treating him for who he was not just a dog but my baby bless you

Freda bates
January 16, 2026

This funeral home has got to be the best ever. My Frenchie died in September. Here it is December and someone from Best came to my door with a package. It was an ornament of a bone with Lola's name on it. I couldn't be more touched. I would never use anyone else but best funeral home.

Rita Bellitto
December 20, 2025

We were devastated to lose our precious Yorkie/Bichon, Linus. We loved him so very much and miss him terribly. When my husband took Linus to you, he said Linus was treated with gentleness and respect. That meant so much to both of us. Thank you for that. Today we received a remembrance ornament and a note from you, which was very thoughtful. Thank you for helping us at an extremely painful time.

Karen Baughman
December 19, 2025

Thank you for everything Gary. Lucy our cat died unexpected. We called and found out we could have her cremated. Today she is home with us.

Theresa Gloeckner
November 25, 2025

Best handled the burying of my son John Joseph Miller 02/20/2020 did am excellent job. 10/11/25 they handled my husbandd Paul's burial and did a superb job in making me as comfortable as possible. Thank you kindly The Miller family

Kathleen Miller
October 31, 2025

I originally planned to bury my pup, Lola. That didn't work out so my vet in middlefield suggested Best. I was leery because in the past days cremation for animals was different. Boy did things change. I will always cremate now. I have a lot of animals. This is a good way to grieve and the funeral home really cared. The things they gave with her made so much of a difference in my life.
There wasn't a wait time. She was done almost immediately. And back to me just as quick. I'm really glad that Best is in our county.

Rita Bellitto
October 1, 2025

Our veterinarian recommended this crematory for our beautiful Lola. We originally were going to bury her,things didn't work out and she suggested best funeral home.
They took her right away I got the ashes back right away with the beautiful gifts that came with her.
I was extremely hesitant about cremation because of years gone by with other animals. But best has showed me they've greatly improved this business. Any other animals that I have, which is quite a lot, will not be cremated by anyone else but best funeral home and also there will be no more burials. Getting her ashes back with all the little things that they give you make me feel like she's still there.

Rita & Paul Bellitto
September 30, 2025

Gary couldn’t be a nicer man! Cremation cost is half or more than most charge! He is friendly, compassionate & very accommodating. I would recommend him highly!

Kathy Marous
July 17, 2025

We entrusted Best with my cat of 14 years. She was my soulmate and I wanted to know I was getting her back and she was getting the best I could give her. They treated her with the same kindness and empathy they would treat a person. He even made sure to get both colors of her fur in the clippings. I’m glad to have her back knowing she was treated with respect.

Oliveia Mayes
July 15, 2025

My family has trusted Best with caring for both of our parents and some pets after they passed away. I have a very high opinion of the care they give to the family at such a sensitive time. I would personally recommend them for a family member or pet when that time comes.

Kim Nichols
June 29, 2025

We lost our Callie last November and we decided on Best Pet Cremation after reading all the good reviews. I want to thank Gary for being so kind and thoughtful. I would definitely use his services again.

June Jancsurak
May 21, 2025

The loss of our fur baby Iko, was very hard. The kindness, understanding, and compassion was immeasurable. Gary went above and beyond. We are very thankful.

Stan and Linda Duplaga
March 13, 2025

Gary is the best. The experience at Best Funeral Home was filled with compassion and professional service. Would highly recommend them and will use them again.

Steve
February 27, 2025

We would like to thank Gary for the compassion he showed when we lost Lucy and Nala and the ornament with Lucys name on it. That was a nice surprise.

Sheila Jones
January 22, 2025

On behalf of myself, my family and my Pure Passions Farm family I want to say how blessed we were to have Gary come into our lives at this difficult time. First of all just losing one of our beloved fur babies is difficult enough, but then to lose a larger animal and find a funeral home who can accomodate and receive such a request and show such love, compassion and kindness is truly "sent from God". Losing my alpaca, Cheyenne (20), was incredibly difficult as she was such a great and gentle friend and her soul was amazingly beautiful. So many people came to see her at the farm and there will definately be an empty spot. She was very loved. I am beyond appreciative for Gary's kindness and going over and above to make the process of loss bearable. Thank you for giving us special time and walking through this time of grieving with us.

Diana Hudock
November 13, 2024

I want to thank Gary for his patience and kindness when my husband Bill passed on August 12. Gary wrote a loving obituary using information I'd given him.He helped with the necessary paper work details. He made the process easier and took away the stress involved.I appreciated his compassion. I'll always remember his calmness. Sandi Kovanes

Sandi Kovanes
August 29, 2024

On behalf of my entire family, we can’t thank Best Funeral home enough for their love and compassion for our sweet goat Sanibel. We appreciate all you do for pet owners during this difficult time. Thank you 🙏🙏🙏

Meggan Maniche
July 14, 2024

A friend recommended Gary to handle my final wishes for my beloved fur baby .
I felt the compassion and sympathy he had for me losing my girl.
I loved the little boxes that he put her in after the process was completed one for her and one for some of her fur , he also did a beautiful card with the rainbow bridge quote and it had her paw print with a loving message .
He did a beautiful obituary for her and planted a tree in her memory 🙏🏻
Also the adorable surprise gift for me that I will cherish forever 🙏🏻
He does single cremation for your pet to ensure you have peace of mind knowing your getting YOUR baby back 🙏🏻
He made me feel at ease and I knew my baby was in good hands .
This was such a difficult time for me and yet he was able to ease some of the hurting within my heart
I will highly recommend Best to all my friends or family going through a loss for their loved ones 🙏🏻
Thank you Gary 🙏🏻

Tara Alexander
June 9, 2024

I can’t recommend Gary enough to entrust your beloved pets to. He treated my dog with the same dignity and compassion, one would expect for any family member.
The cremation package you receive, is very personalized for each family, and very beautiful and touching.
Gary, thank you for your outstanding treatment and services during such a difficult time, and thank you for ensuring I was actually receiving my dog Chase back.

Donna Doles
April 5, 2024

Hands down the best funeral home I've ever been to. Very professional, caring ,and considerate. Very nice, warm,and clean. Thank you for your amazing service.

Kevin schneider
March 13, 2024

Gary has been wonderful in handling the cremation of several of our family pets. Highly recommend. Always available, personalized service, and the returns are very thoughtful keepsakes of our lost family member.

Carol & Dave
January 29, 2024

Thanking Gary Best for his handling of the cremation of our much loved Quinn. A kind and caring man who presented us with a neck chain ornament with a small charm containing Quinn’s ashes, a beautiful inscribed wood box containing Quinn’s ashes, and a touching print of Quinn’s foot pad, (that made me cry), it was a wonderful tribute to our faithful family member. I would and will recommend Gary’s services to anyone wanting a caring and compassionate person to handle the cremation of their pet family member…Thank you Gary

Mark and Brenda Johnson
January 27, 2024

Friends suggested that we take our dog to Gary for cremation and wow were they right! Gary was so compassionate and kind so we knew he would take care of our baby girl (Coco-14 1/2 year old). Not only did he go above and beyond in the services he provided for cremation last fall, but we also received an ornament with her name on it at Christmas. Can't say enough positive things about Gary helping to make an awful situation a little easier! This place is truly the Best!

Jim & Lisa Milner
January 13, 2024

Thank you for the Bella ornament .
Nice surprise.

Baron Miller
January 8, 2024

Thank you for the Xmas ornament in Pinkies name. It was a pleasant suprise.

L Sygula
December 15, 2023

Gary came highly recommended by several friends who just recently lost pets. Gray was so understanding and made everything so easy, even for a blubbering idiot like myself. When I got Capone back it warmed my heart...Everything was so professional and Gary didn't miss a beat! He collected everything I could of possibly wanted to remember my sweet Kittie by...Thank you so much Gary for making this alittle easier for me! God Bless you and what you do for me and other!🙏🏻
- Vikki Woodin

Vikki Woodin
September 29, 2023

Gary simply wonderful, professional , caring etc.
took care of our needs wonderfully
thank you Gary

paul eaton
June 7, 2023

Been a year since you helped me lay Candice to Rest, still a little difficult ,thank you for your thoughtful approach and caring.

Ed
June 7, 2023

BEST Ever. service they provide! Compassionate & Respectful, Beautiful service. To much to say. HIGLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND. Other places you drop off and you don't know where they are going. This is a true service for you and your family. I was at peace. Love you ETHEL Your my buddy! Run in the clouds with your sister Lucy!

Dad

Sam
March 11, 2023

I'm still in shock of the passing of my sweet caring lovable son John Joseph Miller who fought 17 years of a TBI from a car accident 04/15/2006. Gary and everyone were so kind and compassionate during our time of grief. They surely will be used "next time" God Bless Gary and all who helped me, my family

Kathleen Miller
March 7, 2023

I cannot express enough how grateful we are in the handling of my dear husband during this very difficult time. Gary went over and above to accommodate all of my requests, questions, changes etc. and truly empathized with me for our great loss. I am recommending them to family and friends, when they have to make these difficult choices.

Cherie Lawrence
January 20, 2023

Thank you so much for your professionalism, kindness, and grace in planning services for our dear mother, Pearl Franklin. Everything was beautiful and you were truly wonderful to our family. We couldn’t have asked for anything better. Much love to the Best Family from our Franklin Family.

Summer Brainard
September 1, 2022

Thank you for your services in time of need. You are a part of our family and all family's during this devastating time for all god bless all prayers. Your services will never be forgotten.

david roose
January 18, 2022

Efficient, accurate, organized, thorough, thoughtful and caring. A great experience for us in a tuff time. Gary made it easier. 2 deaths in 1 yr. for us. Glad to have had Gary’s help and care with the loss of our father and mother.

Chris Bohach
December 31, 2021

I highly recommend Best Funeral Home! They were there for us in the time of need losing our beloved pet. Caring and kind owners of the funeral home I will never forget during the most difficult time. Thank you!

Karen McGhee
October 15, 2021
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