Is it appropriate for a former reservist to have a honor guard at their funeral?

You haven’t given many details to go on here. I would say that the presumption is toward the appropriateness of the honor guard unless you care to provide details that suggest that should not be so.

Many reservists are retired from former service, and as far as I know all veterans are entitled to an honor guard if the family requests it.

Yeah, sorry had an appointment to get to but wanted to get the question out. My father passed away and need to make funeral arrangements. Just don’t know much about military stuff – if honor guard would be something we should arrange for the funeral. If @CWOTUS is correct that all veterans are entitled to it, then I think we will go ahead and do that.

I think the army or institution that arranges that would be able to guide you if you inquire about it.

My condolences on your loss.

I’m sorry for your loss.

Call your local VFW, and they’ll probably set you straight… and schedule a bugler and honor guard.

VFW would be good, or the American Legion. These two service organizations provide a lot of benefits to US Veterans, and membership is not required.

There seems to be a shortage of buglers for these honor guards, so they have resorted to digital bugles, something like this ceremonial bugle.

Unless there was some circumstance like a dishonorable discharge then I don’t see why it wouldn’t be just because he was no longer active duty. My grandfather had been out of the service for 50 years and still got an honor guard. Like others have said, contact your local VFW or American Legion. They can tell you if it’s appropriate and help you arrange it as well.

My father passed in 1988, over 40 years after he was discharged. The honor guard consisted of members of both the Legion and the VFW.

A few weeks ago I was talking to an official in the local American Legion who told me that they do indeed maintain a joint honor guard with the VFW.

I don’t see why not. If you’re a vet if any kind, you get an honor guard. I was on an honor guard for almost a year.

@Blackberry Thank you for your service.

Thank you all for your help, we did have an honor guard at the funeral. I was very satisfied and impressed with their conduct.