When did the military honors program officially start?

The military honors program officially began on January 1, 2000. This program was established to ensure that veterans receive appropriate honors at their funerals, which reflects the nation's gratitude for their service. The introduction of this program marked a significant commitment by the U.S. government to ensure that every eligible veteran is provided with military honors, including the folding and presentation of the flag, the playing of Taps, and the presence of a military honor guard. This initiative was particularly important after the Gulf War and aimed to recognize the sacrifices made by service members in a formal and dignified manner. By highlighting this date, one can appreciate the continuing efforts of the military and government to honor those who have served, providing a framework for funeral directors and families to understand the available honors for veterans.