We live with our personal memories of devoted loved ones who, through their service to our nation have defended our fundamental values. The sacrifices that they have made dignify life for each of us. Following their examples, we move toward eternity with faith, love, courage and freedom.
The Victoria Veteran's Council, who's members are made up of the American Legion, the Catholic War Veterans, the Veteran's of Foreign Wars, the Disabled American Veterans, the Marine Corps League, the Military Honor of the World Wars, the EX-POWs, the Military Order of the Purple Heart, the Vietnam Veterans of America and the Korean War Veteran's Association; and the Port Lavaca American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars pay tribute to their fellow comrades in arms through various Military Funeral Honors. These rites are designed to honor the life that was so freely shared and proclaim the glory of freedom. Military rites are made available for any deceased eligible veteran at the request of his or her family. Eligible veterans include military members on active duty, military retirees, members and former members of the Selected Reserve, eligible U.S. Veterans of any war, and other U.S. Veterans who served at least one term of enlistment and separated under conditions other than dishonorable. A request for military rites must be made through the funeral director in charge of the service. The funeral director will contact the Victoria Veteran's Council or the Port Lavaca American Legion and V.F.W. and arrange for the desired military rite, whether at the graveside, funeral home or church.
The military flag is a central part of all military rites. The flag is a symbol of liberty and it flies high proclaiming justice and freedom because of the sacrifices of many Americans. The United States Government provides a memorial flag to any veteran who is discharged under conditions other than dishonorable. The flag can be draped or folded in "Military Fashion" and displayed as a tribute to the services rendered. The honor detail will preform a ceremony that includes the folding and presentation of the American flag to the next of kin., the playing of Taps (Taps will be played by a bugler or by electronic recording), and a gun salute, when available. Military Funeral Honors are provided by the Victoria Veteran's Council and the Port Lavaca American Legion and V.F.W. at no cost to the family. All veteran's families are also eligible to receive the Presidential Memorial Certificate; which is a parchment certificate with a calligraphic inscription expressing the nation's grateful recognition of an honorably discharged, deceased veteran's service in the Armed Forces. The veteran's name is inscribed and the certificate bears the signature of the President of the United States of America. The family may request a Presidential Memorial Certificate either in person at any regional office or by the U.S. mail. The family may also request a grave marker. Your funeral director will assist you with this matter.