At Krause Funeral Homes, we strongly believe that every veteran needs to be honored and remembered. For our staff, saluting those who have served and sacrificed for America’s freedom extends far beyond Veterans Day and Memorial Day. Paying tribute to veterans and expressing appreciation to their families is a way of life. We take this responsibility to heart for many reasons, not the least of which is that the second generation of Krause funeral directors all served their country proudly.
Our veterans services are deeply personal and meaningful, as we do our part to make sure veterans and their families in and around Milwaukee, Brookfield, and New Berlin know about all of the honors and benefits they’re entitled to:
Flag Draped: While in our care, we drape the veteran with an American flag to honor his or her service to our country.
Honor and Patriot Guard: A dedicated group of veterans may serve as honor guard to offer a final salute for any veteran entrusted to our care. The Patriot Guard (motorcycle riders who volunteer to escort a veteran’s procession) may also be used.
Presidential Memorial Certificate: We secure an official memorial certificate bearing the signature and seal of the President of the United States for the spouse or child of a veteran. A Presidential Memorial Certificate (PMC) is an engraved paper certificate signed by the current President to honor the memory of veterans who are eligible for burial in a national cemetery. In 1962, President John F. Kennedy initiated a program to provide a certificate – and this has been continued by all subsequent U.S. Presidents.
Benefits: With a copy of your loved one’s Veteran’s Honorable Discharge, Krause Funeral Homes will immediately prepare the necessary documentation to apply for veteran’s benefits. In some cases, spouses and dependent children may be eligible for benefits as well. Benefits may include:
American Flag
Families may choose to place it in or drape it over the casket or have it present at a memorial service.
Military Honors
Flag folding and presentation to next of kin, trumpeted Taps, color guard or military personnel pallbearers and a rifle volley may be available depending on the level of military honors earned.
National Cemetery Burial
Many times the grave space, opening, and closing are included.
Grave Marker
Usually made of bronze or granite, an official marker is often included.
Throughout our decades of assisting families, we have been privileged to arrange funerals highlighting military accomplishments. Over the years, we have many cherished memories – and hope the families we serve can say the same.
Moments like soldiers presenting the folded American flag to a grieving family. Displaying a uniform at the visitation and showing photos from military days during the funeral service. Or setting up a memory table at the reception featuring awards, honors, or other items from their time in the service. What a special way to acknowledge the veteran’s bravery while giving loved ones a memento to treasure and pass down through the generations.
If you yourself are a veteran – or if you have a veteran loved one – have you considered putting your funeral plans in place ahead of time? This way, you can make sure your preferences are honored. Maybe you’ve kept your wishes to yourself or simply haven’t expressed them to anyone. Now is the time.
Reach out to our caring team by phone, or stop by any of our four locations. We count it a tremendous honor to serve veterans and their families and are available to you anytime.