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Rendering military funeral honors is one way to show the nation’s deep gratitude to those who, in times of war and peace, have faithfully defended our country. This ceremonial paying of respect is the final demonstration of a grateful nation. The primary duty of the SVNCVHG is to augment the respective military service branches and provide the three-rifle volley salute.

Requesting Military Funeral Honors

All eligible veterans are entitled, by law, to military funeral honors. Families of eligible veterans must request and schedule funeral honors through their funeral director. This is a separate request from the services provided by the SVNCVHG. The funeral director will contact the appropriate military service on your behalf to arrange for the military funeral honors detail.

Requesting the SVNC Volunteer Honor Guard

The services of the SVNCVHG are available Monday, Thursday, and Friday by appointment and performed at no cost to the family of the deceased. SVNCVHG team members are trained and qualified to assume the flag folding and presentation duties, the playing of “Taps” as needed. The attendance of SVNCVHG and the firing of rifle volleys is available only upon request of the family. Please note that other services schedule on the same day may affect the SVNCVHG availability.

Rifle Volleys

The firing of rifle volleys is available only upon request of the family for retirees or veterans by completing the application found on the “Request Rifle Team” application page of this website or by contacting the SVNCVHG Scheduler at
(415) 619-9554.

Flag Folding

The ceremonial folding and presentation of the flag is a moving tribute of lasting importance to our service members, veterans and their families. Emblematic of the tricorn hat worn by the patriots of the American Revolution the U.S. flag honors the memory of a service member or veteran’s service to our country. The flag, presented as a keepsake to the next of kin or an appropriate family member after Taps has been played, is symbolic of our appreciation for your loved one’s honorable and faithful service.

Bugle / Taps

Beginning in 1891, the playing of Taps became standard at military funeral ceremonies and was legislated in 2013 as the “National Song of Military Remembrance.” The use of Taps is unique to the United States military, since the call is sounded at funerals, wreath-laying ceremonies, and memorial services. The final bugle call is a sign of respect and a tribute to the deceased veteran. When available taps will be played by a bugler, however there are so few buglers available that the military services may choose to provide an electronic recording of taps.

Request Rifle Team