Serving those who served our country is a responsibility we hold with the highest honor.

The men and women who served in our nation’s Armed Forces made extraordinary sacrifices to protect our freedom and way of life. At Aikens Funeral Home, we consider it a privilege to assist families in honoring the life and service of a veteran with the dignity and respect they deserve.

Whether your family wishes to arrange a simple gathering or a full military funeral service with honors, our experienced team will guide you through each step of the process. We work closely with military representatives and veteran organizations to ensure that every eligible honor and benefit is properly arranged.

For families throughout Tampa and the surrounding communities, it is our honor to help pay tribute to those who served our country.

If you have questions about veterans' benefits or military funeral honors, please contact us, and one of our caring professionals will be happy to assist you.

United States Burial Flag

A United States flag is provided at no cost to drape the casket or accompany the urn of an honorably discharged veteran. Following the service, the flag is traditionally presented to the veteran’s next of kin as a lasting symbol of appreciation for their service.

Government Headstones & Markers

The Department of Veterans Affairs provides, upon request and at no charge, a government-issued headstone or grave marker for eligible veterans.

Families may choose from several options including:

• Upright headstones
• Flat grave markers
• Niche markers for columbaria

Alternatively, a Veteran’s Medallion may be affixed to a privately purchased headstone to recognize the individual’s military service.

Presidential memorial Certificates

Families of honorably discharged veterans may also request a Presidential Memorial Certificate, which bears the signature of the current President of the United States and honors the memory of the veteran’s service to our nation.

Burial in Veterans Cemeteries

Eligible veterans may be laid to rest in:

• Private cemeteries
• State veterans cemeteries
• National cemeteries administered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs



Our staff can assist families with coordinating burial arrangements and confirming eligibility for available benefits.

Who Qualifies for Military Funeral Honors

Veterans from all branches of the United States Armed Forces may qualify for military funeral honors regardless of rank. Eligibility typically includes:

• Active duty service members
• Military retirees
• National Guard members
• Reserve service members
• Honorably discharged veterans

Military honors are provided whether the individual served during wartime or peacetime.

Potential Burial & Funeral Benefits

Depending on the circumstances of death and eligibility, families may qualify for certain VA burial benefits or allowances to help offset funeral costs.

Our team will gladly assist families in gathering the necessary documentation and coordinating with the Department of Veterans Affairs.

For additional information about veterans burial benefits, families may also visit: https://www.cem.va.gov/

A Personal Commitment to Veterans

As a retired United States Army veteran, our General Manager understands firsthand the sacrifice and dedication required to serve our country. That experience guides our commitment to ensuring that every veteran and their family receive the respect and care they deserve.

As part of this commitment, Aikens Funeral Home does not charge families for transportation to Florida National Cemetery or Sarasota National Cemetery when a veteran chooses burial in one of these national cemeteries.

This is one small way we honor those who served and help ensure that every eligible veteran can receive the dignified tribute they have earned.

Veteran Family Commitment

Aikens Funeral Home proudly provides transportation to Florida National Cemetery and Sarasota National Cemetery at no charge for veterans’ families.



At Aikens Funeral Home, honoring the service of a veteran means ensuring every detail reflects the gratitude of a nation and the love of the family they served to protect.

Because here, everything matters.