Planning a funeral for a loved one is often an emotional process, but it can also be a heavy responsibility. When it comes to paying tribute to a veteran, this responsibility takes on an added dimension: that of celebrating a life involving service and sacrifice.

At the Aeterna Funeral Complex, we're committed to providing the kind of funeral that veterans deserve, while meeting the needs of their grieving loved ones. In reading this article, you will learn more about the traditions surrounding funeral ceremonies for Canadian veterans. You will also find tips on how to appropriately honour their memory.

 

Canadian Armed Forces funerals and burials

For families wanting to pay tribute to a veteran loved one, the Aeterna Funeral Complex is very well able to integrate military traditions into the funeral ceremony.

The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) offer a variety of funeral and burial options. These depend on the status of the member of the Armed Forces, and also on the deceased’s wishes or those of the family. The 2 main types are a military funeral with honours and a burial with military presence.

To have access to a military funeral in Canada, you must be:

• An active or honourably discharged member of the CAF (Regular or Reserve Force)
• A member of a former arm
• A Merchant Navy veteran, as defined by Veterans Affairs Canada

 

Please note that to be granted a military funeral with honours or a burial with military presence, a member of the CAF must display military information on his or her headstone.

 

Military funerals with honours

In the case of a military funeral with honours, CAF members may request to be buried in the National Military Cemetery of the Canadian Armed Forces. In such cases, only one next-of-kin, even if non-military, may be buried beside the deceased. .

 

Burial with military presence

The CAF also offers the option of burial with military presence for families who want a smaller, more intimate ceremony. Veterans or their loved ones may choose to include the following in the farewell ceremony:

• A seven-man guard
• A bagpiper
• A bugler
• A military chaplain

   

Canada Military funeral ceremonies in Canada

Funeral ceremonies for veterans and members of the Canadian Armed Forces follow specific protocols designed to honour the service and sacrifice of the deceased in a solemn and respectful manner, while providing a moment of reflection and recognition for loved ones. Here are just a few of the usual protocols:

 

Flag-raising ceremony

Before the ceremony, a Canadian flag is carefully draped over the casket. At the end of the ceremony, the flag is removed, folded according to a specific protocol and presented to the family of the deceased.

 

Funeral escort

A military escort can be present to accompany the casket. Members of the escort wear special uniforms—formal ceremonial attire—and black armbands symbolizing mourning.

 

Salute of honour

A firing squad made up of members of the guard can fire an honour salute (a volley of shots). However, this will be done only at the request of the deceased's next of kin.

 

The Last Post

A bugler can play the "Last Post", a solemn melody used in military ceremonies to mark the end of the day and symbolize the eternal rest of the deceased.

 

Presentation of medals

The deceased's medals and decorations are often displayed at the funeral ceremony. They can be presented to the family in recognition of the deceased’s service.

 

The Last Post Fund for Canadian veterans

The Last Post Fund ensures that all Canadian veterans are given a dignified farewell and final resting place, regardless of their financial situation or that of their families. Eligible veterans in Canada can receive financial assistance from the Last Post Fund in order to cover certain professional services and funeral essentials, such as caskets, urns and headstones.

Families can request reimbursement to the veteran's estate within one year of planning the funeral ceremony. Applications can be made online or by phone. If you decide to take these steps, be sure to have the veteran's military service record on hand.

 

Funeral services specifically designed for veterans

The mission of the Aeterna Funeral Complex is to meet the unique needs of each family, especially when it comes to honouring the memory of Canadian veterans. Lucie Marsolais, Executive Director of the Aeterna Funeral Complex, explains:

 

"In the case of a funeral for a veteran, my team and I at the Aeterna Complex can organize and carry out the ceremony in collaboration with the Department of National Defence. These are grand moments, and we're proud to be able to participate in them."

 

With our personalized approach, expertise and dedication, we ensure that every ceremony is carried out with dignity. Everyone deserves a funeral that honours their life and respects their values. That's why, when it comes time to mark the departure of a veteran, we know how to adapt our space and our practices to offer a solemn farewell worthy of the veteran's accomplishments.

Whether you're planning prearrangements or organizing a funeral for a Canadian Forces veteran, our professional team can guide you through the process.

Contact us to make an appointment.