Creating a funeral program for a military veteran is one of the most meaningful things a family can do in the days after a loss. It's a guide for the ceremony — but it's also a record of honor, a keepsake of service, and a tribute to the person behind the uniform.
This guide walks you through every section to include, how to arrange it, and what details matter most. Whether you're working with a funeral director or designing it yourself, you'll find everything you need here.
If you're looking for poems and readings to include, visit our companion posts:
Original Poems for a Military Veteran's Funeral Program | More Poems: Invocations, Tributes & Benedictions
1. The Cover Page
The cover is often the most cherished part of the program — the page families frame, tuck into memory boxes, and return to for years.
Include:
- Full name of the veteran, with rank and branch of service
- Birth and death dates
- A meaningful photo — in uniform, or a favorite portrait
- Branch insignia, unit crest, or American flag motif (optional)
- Service details: date, time, and location of the ceremony
Tip: Choose a high-resolution photo and keep the design clean. Military programs tend to look most dignified with an uncluttered layout — let the image and the name carry the weight.
2. Order of Service
This section outlines the flow of the ceremony so guests can follow along and know when to stand, sit, or observe silence.
A typical military funeral order:
- Prelude music
- Processional / Honor Guard arrival
- Opening remarks or invocation
- Readings, poems, or scripture
- Eulogy or personal tributes
- Military honors — rifle volley, Taps, flag folding
- Presentation of the flag to next of kin
- Closing remarks and recessional
Tip: If the service includes both religious and military elements, list them in the exact order they will occur. Guests appreciate knowing what to expect, especially during the military honors portion.
3. Obituary or Life Story
A short biography that gives guests a fuller picture of who this person was — not just as a veteran, but as a human being.
Include:
- Early life and family background
- Military service: branch, rank, years served, deployments, and awards received
- Civilian career and community involvement
- Hobbies, passions, and personal qualities
- Surviving family members
Tip: Keep the program version concise — two to four paragraphs is ideal. If a longer obituary exists online, you can note where to find it.
4. Readings, Poems, and Quotes
Include the full text of any readings or poems so guests can follow along during the service and keep them as a memento afterward.
Popular choices for veterans:
- "High Flight" by John Gillespie Magee Jr.
- "The Soldier's Creed" (U.S. Army)
- The Empty Chair tribute
- Scripture: Psalm 23, John 15:13 ("Greater love has no one than this...")
- Original tribute poems written for the veteran
Tip: If you'd like original poems written specifically for military veterans — including invocations, tributes, and benedictions — visit our Veterans Poem Collection.
5. Photos and Memories
A photo collage page is one of the most personal additions you can make to a veteran's program.
Consider including:
- Military service photos — basic training, deployments, unit photos
- Family and candid shots from across their life
- Images of medals, patches, or insignia
Tip: Add captions wherever you can — names, places, and dates. Future generations will be grateful for the context.
6. Acknowledgments
A brief note from the family thanking those who attended, sent flowers, or offered support.
Example:
The family of Sergeant James R. Miller wishes to thank you for your presence, your prayers, and your kindness during this time. Your support means more than words can say.
7. Final Page or Back Cover
This page can include:
- A meaningful quote, scripture, or branch motto
- A military emblem or insignia
- Reception details and location
- Burial location and directions (if applicable)
8. Practical Editing Tips
- Proofread carefully — especially names, ranks, dates, and award titles. These details matter deeply to military families.
- Use consistent fonts — one for headings, one for body text. Clean and readable is always the right choice.
- Leave white space — a program that breathes is easier to read and feels more dignified.
- Print a test copy before ordering in bulk. Colors and fonts can shift between screen and print.
- Check image resolution — photos should be at least 300 DPI for print quality.
9. Military Veteran Funeral Program Templates
Designing a program from scratch while managing everything else that comes with a loss is a lot to carry. A professionally designed template gives you a dignified, print-ready starting point — so you can focus on the words and the memories, not the formatting.
Our military templates are designed specifically with veterans in mind — clean, respectful layouts with space for photos, service details, readings, and honors. Every template is fully editable in Canva, requires no design experience, and is available for instant download the moment you purchase.
Browse the full collection: Military & Patriotic Funeral Program Templates
Frequently Asked Questions
What is typically included in a military funeral program?
A military funeral program usually includes a cover page with the veteran's name, rank, and photo; an order of service; an obituary or life story; readings or poems; a photo page; acknowledgments; and a final page with reception details or a closing quote.
What is the difference between a military funeral and a civilian funeral program?
A military funeral program includes elements specific to military honors — the order of the rifle volley, Taps, and flag presentation — as well as branch insignia, rank, unit information, and service awards. The structure is more formal, and the program reflects both the person and their service.
What poems are appropriate for a military veteran's funeral?
"High Flight" by John Gillespie Magee Jr. and "The Soldier's Creed" are two of the most commonly used. Scripture passages like Psalm 23 and John 15:13 are also popular. For original poems written specifically for veterans, visit our Veterans Poem Collection.
How do I list military honors in the order of service?
List them in the order they will occur during the ceremony — typically after the eulogy. Include the rifle volley, the playing of Taps, the flag folding ceremony, and the presentation of the flag to next of kin as separate line items so guests know what to expect.
Can I create a military funeral program myself?
Yes — many families design the program themselves using a template. A good template gives you a dignified, print-ready layout so you can focus on personalizing the content rather than the formatting. Browse our Military & Patriotic Funeral Program Templates for editable Canva options.
A military veteran's funeral program is both a guide for the day and a lasting tribute. By blending the structure of military honors with personal touches, you create something that reflects not only their service, but also their humanity — the laughter they shared, the values they lived by, and the love they gave.
When thoughtfully designed, it becomes more than paper. It becomes a keepsake that family and friends will hold onto for years — a reminder of a life lived with courage and purpose.
Thank you for being here, and for the care you're putting into honoring your veteran. Sending comfort and heartfelt condolences to your family.