Veterans & Military Funeral Songs
About Veterans & Military Funeral Songs Funeral Songs
Military funerals carry weight that civilian services don't. There's protocol, tradition, and often the expectation that the music will reflect both. But here's what we've learned from military families: the most meaningful services balance official honors with personal truth. Your grandfather who served in Korea was also the guy who loved Johnny Cash. Your sister who did three tours also danced to pop music at family barbecues. The songs that work best acknowledge both realities—the uniform and the person who wore it.
Top Veterans & Military Funeral Songs Funeral Songs
Taps
Traditional Military
A deeply reverent tribute that honors military service and sacrifice.
God Bless the U.S.A.
Lee Greenwood
Celebrates the values and freedoms that veterans fought to protect.
Some Gave All
Billy Ray Cyrus
Recognizes the bravery of those willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for their country.
America the Beautiful
Ray Charles
Combines patriotic pride with spiritual gratitude, honoring both country and faith together.
If You're Reading This
Tim McGraw
Pays tribute to fallen soldiers and the families they leave behind.
Tips for Choosing Veterans & Military Funeral Songs Funeral Songs
Tip 1. Ask about their branch and unit - A Marine's service is different from an Airman's. Their buddies might have song suggestions you'd never think of.
Tip 2. Taps is expected at military honors, not necessarily during the service - If the VA is providing honors at the graveside, they'll handle Taps. You have flexibility for the chapel service.
Tip 3. Vietnam-era vets often connect with specific 60s-70s rock - "Fortunate Son," "We Gotta Get Out of This Place," or "The Weight" meant something to that generation.
Tip 4. WWII and Korea generations typically prefer traditional hymns and patriotic standards - "God Bless America," "Amazing Grace," "Battle Hymn of the Republic."
Tip 5. Post-9/11 veterans have their own music - Toby Keith's "American Soldier," Lee Greenwood's "God Bless the USA," and country songs about coming home.
Tip 6. Consider what they listened to during deployment - Many vets have specific songs tied to their service years. Ask family or service buddies.
Tip 7. Don't overdo the patriotism if that wasn't them - Some veterans were proudly patriotic; others had complicated feelings about their service. Honor who they actually were.
Complete List of Veterans & Military Funeral Songs Funeral Songs
Traditional Military
The iconic bugle call played at military funerals, symbolizing final rest and peace.
Why it's meaningful: A deeply reverent tribute that honors military service and sacrifice.
Best moment: Traditionally played during the flag folding ceremony or final farewell.
Some Gave All
Billy Ray Cyrus
A heartbreaking reminder of how much soldiers give up to serve on the front lines.
Why it's meaningful: Recognizes the bravery of those willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for their country.
Best moment: Appropriate for honoring fallen soldiers and veterans.
America the Beautiful
Ray Charles
Ray Charles' soulful rendition of this patriotic hymn, blending gospel passion with American pride.
Why it's meaningful: Combines patriotic pride with spiritual gratitude, honoring both country and faith together.
Best moment: Moving as a tribute to veterans who loved their country.