Who manages military honors for funeral services?

The responsibility for managing military honors at funeral services primarily lies with the Department of Defense (DOD). This includes coordinating aspects like the presence of military personnel, the folding of the flag, the playing of Taps, and ensuring that appropriate honors are rendered to the deceased veteran. The DOD sets the policies and guidelines for military funerals and ensures that they are carried out in accordance with military standards.

While the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) plays a vital role in providing benefits and support to veterans and their families, it does not directly manage the honors rendered at funerals. Instead, the VA may facilitate certain aspects related to veteran burials, such as providing headstones or burial allowances, but the execution of military rites falls under DOD jurisdiction.

The military service branch of the deceased is indeed involved in the logistics and ceremonial details, but ultimately, these operations align with directives established by the DOD. Private funeral homes may assist in coordinating these services, but they do not manage the military honors themselves. Thus, understanding the specific functions of each entity reveals why the DOD is the correct answer regarding the management of military honors at funeral services.