Veteran’s Funeral Planning: Celebration of Life

October 18, 2017

A veteran’s funeral ought to be a celebration. They deserve the greatest honor for their years spent serving our country. A veteran lived a selfless life of sacrifice for their family and their nation, and that life deserves to be celebrated. Making a funeral into a celebration of life can be a very healing, joyful option for the loved ones of the deceased. It can help bring some light and life into a season of grief. Veterans should receive full military honors at their funeral from the VA, but here are some more personal ideas for celebrating a veteran you love.

Consider what they were passionate about, and incorporate that into your veteran’s funeral .

Perhaps your veteran was an avid outdoorsman, an athlete, or an artist. Consider that the ceremony could take place outdoors in a beautiful setting. Perhaps loved ones could run or bicycle in a race in their honor. Or maybe friends and family could create a piece of art together for the veteran’s partner to keep and treasure. The options are literally endless for incorporating a person’s passions and interests into a celebration of their life.

Celebrate with your loved one’s favorite music.

A celebration of life can include any music you like, from soft and traditional, to loud and exciting. If your veteran was in a band, live rock music might be just the thing to celebrate them. Perhaps a bagpiper would set the right tone. Or maybe a soloist playing their favorite instrument can be the soundtrack to the ceremony. The music needn’t be stuffy; joyful and full of life might be just what everyone needs to hear.

Make a memory together.

Some memorable, beautiful ideas might include:

-Releasing sky lanterns or balloons

-Floating flowers in a river, lake, or the ocean

-Making origami peace cranes together

-Planting a garden in the veteran’s honor

-Taking a trip to the veteran’s favorite place

-Write treasured memories on stones to give to the family

Recently, a family friend attended a celebration of life where loved ones went skydiving in the deceased’s honor! Talk about creating a memory that will last a lifetime.

 

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory supports veterans by offering a $300 tribute to all veterans for their funeral care. “Our founder Glenn Tharp assisted families with their funeral care continuously for 63 years, except for the time that he served in General George S. Patton’s 3rd Army during World War II. Glenn Tharp received the Silver Star and Purple Heart for his service. As a result, the Tharp family has grown up with a distinct appreciation of the sacrifices made by our veterans. Our family offers this tribute as a way of saying “Thank You” for your valor, honor and sacrifice. We will never forget that we have our freedom because of your sacrifice.” -Tharp Funeral Home
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March 31, 2026
Planning ahead isn’t always something we naturally gravitate toward—especially when it comes to end-of-life decisions. It’s easy to put off, to say “someday,” or to assume there will always be more time. But preplanning your funeral or cremation arrangements is one of the most thoughtful and meaningful gifts you can leave behind for the people you love. What Is Preplanning? Preplanning is simply the process of making your final wishes known ahead of time. This can include decisions about burial or cremation, the type of service you’d like, music, readings, and even the small personal touches that reflect your life. It doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, even a simple plan written down can provide clarity and comfort when it’s needed most. Why More Families Are Choosing to Plan Ahead 1. It Relieves Emotional Burden When a loved one passes, families are often faced with dozens of decisions in a very short time, many of them while navigating deep grief. By preplanning, you remove that weight. Your family won’t have to wonder what you would have wanted, they’ll already know. 2. It Protects Your Family Financially Funeral costs can add up quickly depending on services selected. Preplanning gives you the opportunity to guarantee certain services and merchandise, avoid future inflation, and prevent overspending during emotional decision-making. 3. It Ensures Your Wishes Are Honored Every life is unique and every service should reflect that. When you plan ahead, you can choose burial or cremation, select meaningful music or readings, and include personal touches that tell your story. 4. It Gives You Time and Control Planning in advance allows you to make decisions thoughtfully and without pressure. There’s no urgency. No rushed decisions. Just clarity and confidence. 5. It Brings Peace of Mind Knowing everything is taken care of allows you to focus on what matters most: living fully and spending time with loved ones. Preplanning Doesn’t Have to Mean Prepaying You have options: document your wishes, set aside funds gradually, or explore pre-need plans or insurance options. Families are guided through these choices with no pressure—just support and information. A Simple Step Today Can Make All the Difference Tomorrow Preplanning is about easing the path for those you love. It gives them space to grieve, remember, and heal—without added stress. Ready to Learn More? Click here to get started. Whether you’re ready to start a plan or simply have questions, speaking with a preplanning specialist can help you explore your options in a comfortable, no-pressure setting. Because the greatest gift you can leave behind isn’t just memories—it’s peace of mind.
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