Veteran Funeral Services

Ralph Torres • September 17, 2025

Honoring Our Heroes – Veteran Funeral Services

At Torres Mortuary, we are proud to serve the brave men and women who dedicated their lives to protecting our nation. Veterans deserve to be honored with dignity, respect, and gratitude for their service and sacrifice. Our Veteran Funeral Services ensure that every detail of a veteran’s farewell reflects their dedication to country and their legacy of honor.


Special Recognition for Veterans


Veterans may be eligible for unique honors and benefits provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and local organizations. At Torres Mortuary, we help families navigate these benefits so their loved one receives the recognition they deserve. These may include:

  • Burial in a National Cemetery with perpetual care.
  • Military Funeral Honors with flag presentation and Taps.
  • A United States Flag presented to the family.
  • Headstones or Markers provided by the VA.
  • Presidential Memorial Certificate signed by the President of the United States.


What Are VA Burial Benefits and Memorial Items?


VA burial benefits are designed to assist service members, veterans, and their families in planning and paying for a burial or memorial service in a VA national cemetery. Memorial items are provided through the Department of Veterans Affairs to honor those who have served the country.


Who Qualifies for Burial Benefits and Burial in a National Cemetery?


Eligibility may include:

  • A veteran who did not receive a dishonorable discharge.
  • A service member who died while on active duty, active duty for training, or inactive duty for training.
  • The spouse or minor child of a veteran (even if the veteran died first).
  • In certain cases, the unmarried adult dependent child of a veteran.


What Are Military Funeral Honors and a Committal Service?


Military funeral honors may include:

  • The playing of “Taps”.
  • A rifle detail and color guard.
  • Uniformed service members who properly fold and present the United States flag to the grieving family.

The burial flag is presented to the next of kin or a close friend if the deceased qualifies, including:

  • Served in wartime.
  • Died while serving on active duty after May 27, 1941.
  • Served after January 31, 1955.
  • Served in peacetime and left the military before June 27, 1950, after completing one enlistment or due to a disability caused or worsened by service.
  • Served in the Selected Reserves, or in the Philippine military forces under U.S. service, and died on or after April 25, 1951.


What Are Burial Benefits and How Do I Apply?


Veterans’ death benefits may help cover the
burial, funeral, and transportation costs associated with services and disposition. For those buried in a national cemetery, survivors may also receive assistance with:

  • The plot or interment.
  • Burial and funeral costs.
  • Transporting remains to the cemetery.

Deadlines:

  • Claims for a non-service-connected burial allowance must be filed within two years after burial or cremation.
  • There is no time limit for filing service-connected burial, plot, or interment allowance.

How to Apply:

Memorial Items:

  • Veterans who meet certain requirements may qualify for a headstone, marker, or medallion.
  • Request a headstone, grave marker, or niche marker using VA Form 10-1330, sent to:


Department of Veteran Affairs

5109 Russell Road

Quantico, VA 22134-3909

For full details, visit VA Burial & Memorials or call the VA office at 1-800-827-1000.

Personalized Veteran Tributes at Torres Mortuary


Beyond VA-provided benefits, Torres Mortuary also offers:

  • Custom casket panels, urns, and register books with military insignia.
  • Prayer cards with patriotic or faith-based themes.
  • Displays of medals, uniforms, or personal military items.
  • Incorporation of military branch colors, hymns, or symbols.


Torres Mortuary — Your Life, Your Legacy, Your Funeral, Your Way™.

Residence Services at Torres Mortuary
By Ralph Torres September 16, 2025
Residence Services at Torres Mortuary
How to Comfort a Friend at the Funeral Home
By Ralph Torres September 16, 2025
How to Comfort a Friend at the Funeral Home
By Ralph Torres September 14, 2025
Custom Funeral Services at Torres Mortuary Every life is unique, and every farewell deserves to reflect that uniqueness. At Torres Mortuary, we believe funeral services should be more than a ceremony—they should be a meaningful tribute that celebrates the personality, values, culture, and traditions of your loved one. That’s why we offer custom funeral services designed to honor life in a way that feels authentic and memorable. Why Choose a Custom Funeral Service? Custom services allow families to personalize every detail, creating an atmosphere that truly represents their loved one’s life. Whether it’s incorporating favorite music, displaying treasured photos, or creating themed memorials, personalization makes the service more meaningful and healing for everyone involved. Ways to Personalize a Service 1. Religious and Cultural Traditions We can incorporate rituals, prayers, or symbolic gestures that reflect your family’s faith or heritage. From Catholic masses to cultural customs, our team ensures that these sacred traditions are respected and honored. 2. Memorial Displays Personal items such as photographs, awards, hobbies, or even a favorite outfit can be displayed to share your loved one’s story. These elements help family and friends connect with memories and celebrate the individual’s life journey. 3. Custom Products We provide a variety of memorial products, including: Prayer cards with personalized images or scriptures Register books designed around themes or religious icons Customized caskets and casket panels or urns that reflect personal or cultural identity 4. Music and Readings From favorite hymns to meaningful poems, music and readings can capture the essence of your loved one’s spirit. Families often find these touches to be some of the most comforting and memorable parts of a service. 5. Unique Themes For some families, honoring passions like sports, music, or even a favorite flower can make the service deeply personal. These small details can turn the funeral into a celebration of life rather than just a goodbye. Our Commitment to You At Torres Mortuary, our caring team will guide you through the process of creating a service that balances tradition with personal touches. We believe every family deserves the opportunity to say goodbye in a way that is heartfelt, comforting, and unique. Torres Mortuary — Your Life, Your Legacy, Your Funeral, Your Way™.
The Importance of Pre-Planning Funeral Arrangements
By Ralph Torres September 14, 2025
The Importance of Pre-Planning Funeral Arrangements
Gypsy Funeral Services at Torres Mortuary
By Ralph Torres September 14, 2025
Gypsy Funeral Services at Torres Mortuary
Thai Funeral Service - Torres Mortuary
By Ralph Torres September 10, 2025
Thai Funeral Service - Torres Mortuary
By Ralph Torres September 9, 2025
Celebrity Themed Funeral Services at Torres Mortuary At Torres Mortuary, we believe every life tells a story worth celebrating. For families wishing to honor their loved one in a unique and memorable way, celebrity themed funeral services offer a chance to reflect the passions, personalities, and inspirations that shaped their lives. Celebrating a Life Inspired by Celebrity Icons Many of us grew up admiring beloved celebrities whose talents brought us joy, laughter, or comfort. Incorporating these icons into a funeral or memorial service can create a deeply personal tribute, especially when your loved one shared a special connection with them. For example, Lucille Ball , the legendary actress and comedian, continues to inspire generations with her humor and timeless legacy from I Love Lucy. A themed service celebrating Lucille Ball could be filled with joyful memories, a sense of laughter, and the spirit of someone who loved comedy, television history, or classic Hollywood. Ideas for a Lucille Ball Themed Service Photo & Memory Displays : Showcase a collage of your loved one alongside classic photos of Lucille Ball, creating a visual reminder of the joy they both brought into the world. Music & Video Tributes : Play episodes, clips, or theme songs from I Love Lucy during the reception or memorial slideshow. Color Themes : Use Lucille’s signature red, black, and white tones in floral arrangements, programs, or decorations to reflect her iconic look. Story Sharing : Encourage family and friends to share stories of how your loved one, like Lucille, always brought laughter and joy into their lives. Celebrity Lookalikes : We find you celebrity lookalikes to add a fun and special touch to the service, helping bring your chosen theme to life in a tasteful and respectful way. Beyond Lucille Ball: Personalizing Your Celebrity Tribute  Whether your loved one admired actors, musicians, athletes, or other cultural figures, we can help create a themed service that captures their unique inspirations. From sports teams to musical legends, Torres Mortuary works with families to design services that truly reflect the life being honored. Compassionate Guidance We know that planning a funeral is never easy. Our team at Torres Mortuary is here to support you every step of the way. If your loved one was inspired by a celebrity like Lucille Ball—or any other iconic figure—we will help you create a service that is as memorable and meaningful as the life they lived.
By Ralph Torres September 9, 2025
Cremation Options at Torres Mortuary At Torres Mortuary, we understand that families seek meaningful and personal ways to honor their loved ones. Cremation offers a variety of options that can be tailored to meet spiritual, cultural, and family preferences. Below, we outline the different cremation choices available so you can make the decision that best reflects your family’s wishes. 1. Direct Cremation with No Formal Services This is the simplest and most economical option. The cremation takes place without a formal viewing, identification, or funeral services. Families who wish for privacy or a straightforward process often choose this path. 2. Direct Cremation with Traditional Viewing or Services A. Viewing or Service Before Cremation Families may choose to hold a traditional service or visitation at a church or chapel before cremation. This is typically done with the use of a rental casket, giving family and friends an opportunity to gather, view, and honor the deceased before cremation takes place. B. Memorial Service with Urn Present Another option is to hold a memorial service after cremation. The urn is present, often accompanied by a portrait, memorial poster, or other personal tributes. The body is not present—only the ashes—yet this type of service provides a meaningful way to celebrate a life lived. 3. Cremation with Ash Scattering at Sea A. Private Family Scattering Many families choose to scatter ashes at sea, surrounded by loved ones and clergy on a chartered boat. By law, scattering must take place at least three miles offshore. This private and intimate experience allows families to return their loved one to nature in a serene setting.  B. Non-Witness Scattering For families who prefer not to be present, we also offer direct scattering at sea handled by our staff. 4. Cremation with Burial at a Local Cemetery Cremated remains can be buried in a cemetery of your choice. This option provides a permanent resting place where family and friends may visit for years to come. 5. Ashes Kept at Home Some families choose to bring their loved one’s ashes home, keeping them in an urn placed on a mantel or other meaningful place. In some traditions, keeping ashes in the home also holds religious or spiritual significance. Important Note: Disposition Permits For any cremation disposition—whether burial, scattering, or keeping the urn at home—a disposition permit is required from the local health department. Our staff at Torres Mortuary will guide you through this process and ensure all requirements are handled with care and professionalism. Compassion and Guidance Every Step of the Way Choosing a cremation option is a deeply personal decision. At Torres Mortuary, we are here to walk with you, explain every detail, and help create a service that truly honors the life of your loved one.
Themed Funeral Services: Honoring Your Loved One’s Favorite Sports Team Torres Mortuary
By Ralph Torres September 5, 2025
Themed Funeral Services: Honoring Your Loved One’s Favorite Sports Team Torres Mortuary
What to Do With Your Ashes Torres Mortuary
By Ralph Torres September 5, 2025
What to Do With Your Ashes Torres Mortuary