Military Funeral - Civi's or Uniform?

[OCEnforcer29]

Never been to a Military Funeral, haven't been to any funeral since I was a child. My buddy was a Recon Marine, who was just killed in Afghanistan today. Just wondering if I should attend his funeral in my department uniform or civi's. Thanks.

[Bearcat357]

Uniform.......

[OCEnforcer29]

Thanks, that's what I figured...I just wanted to make sure that was the proper thing to do since he wasn't law enforcement.

[5149.5]

Sorry to here about your buddy. Being a Marine myself (now reservist and DoD Police Officer), every Marine that dies is a loss of a brother or sister.

I have no specific experience in your situation, but whenever cops would attend other military events (Marine Corps Ball, retirements, awards ceremonies, etc), I would see them in uniform many times. The Marines that attended a recent funeral for a local police officer all wore their uniforms. I don't think it would be inappropriate for you to wear your police uniform, especially since it was a friend of yours that died.

In the grand scheme of things, there is a brotherhood amongst anyone who puts on a uniform to protect the citizens of this country. Whether it be our Armed Forces, Police Officers, Fire Fighters, etc...we all take on the risks and feel the loss when one of us makes the ultimate sacrifice. Honor your friend how you see fit.

[SGT53]

Wear your uniform and cover. When appropriate during the ceremony, Salute your friend with pride.

My best to you and the family of a fallen HERO.

sgt53 "stands and salutes a hero"

[Smurfette_76]

I'm sorry for your loss.


The uniform is proper.

[RoadKingTrooper]

Sorry for your loss, I agree the uniform would be proper. If you contact the Patriot Guard Riders and make a request, they will attend your friends funeral, form a flag line at both the service and gravesite and provide a M/C escort to the cemetery.

[Iowa #1603]

I agree a uniform is proper................however I would check with someone in your command structure to make sure the department doesn't have a prohibition against wearing your uniform "outside" of official duties.

Some departments can be picky as to where you wear the uniform............................just saying!

[OCEnforcer29]

I agree a uniform is proper................however I would check with someone in your command structure to make sure the department doesn't have a prohibition against wearing your uniform "outside" of official duties.

Some departments can be picky as to where you wear the uniform............................just saying!

Yeah I'll run it by my LT. Thanks.

And thanks everyone, and it's not my loss, it's everyones loss.

[KapsFB]

I attended a friend's funeral in Arlington last fall in full uniform (with cover). The family was extremely happy & grateful for the gesture. I was more than happy to do it.

The only exception for non LEO funerals is a badge band/cover is not appropriate. Those are reserved for LEOs only.

[District B 13]

Your Policies and Procedures manual wil tell you what to do. Follow those guidelines, not what someone on the internet says. I can't believe that someone wouldn't even take the time to look this up before asking on a forum. You should already have a CLEAR understanding of what your agency requires and that should have been part of your FTO program.

While the loss is unfortunate, it does just as well to show up in civvies. It's YOU that is showing your respect for him, NOT your uniform. It's not about you, it's about him and his sacrifice.

[OCEnforcer29]

Your Policies and Procedures manual wil tell you what to do. Follow those guidelines, not what someone on the internet says. I can't believe that someone wouldn't even take the time to look this up before asking on a forum. You should already have a CLEAR understanding of what your agency requires and that should have been part of your FTO program.

While the loss is unfortunate, it does just as well to show up in civvies. It's YOU that is showing your respect for him, NOT your uniform. It's not about you, it's about him and his sacrifice.

Wow dude, cool your jets. No, my policy manual doesn't state anything about wearing my uniform to a military funeral. Nor did my T.O. tell me, "When your friend is killed in Afghanistan, you may wear your uniform to the funeral."

[FJDave]

DB13 is a known ***hat most of the time. Ignore him....we do.

Uniform, most definitely.

[Bearcat357]

Your Policies and Procedures manual wil tell you what to do.

You ever think a lot of agencies don't address stuff like that...? The Agenices I worked for never did. Hell, I just texted my former Sheriff to ask him his thoughts and he said fully dress attaire from the agency is the route he would tell his employees and that there was nothing in the handbook because he didn't think about it when WE did it and he's got other crap to do than worry about silly small ****....

You should already have a CLEAR understanding of what your agency requires and that should have been part of your FTO program.

What the hell does an FTO program have to do about things....?? I've FTO for years before taking my current job with the AF and never, ever did I talk to Boots about wearing of the uniform at a funeral other than a LEOs.....

it does just as well to show up in civvies.

Once again...that's crap. If the OP wants to show up in full uniform (and he should) then that's on him...... Just like if there was a Dr/Lawyer/Accountant/Teacher there....they are going to show up what they work in.....

[Magic Matt]

Sorry for your loss.

I would wear the uniform.

My policy & procedure manual also does not mention this, and I’m not going to ask my Chief as he would just tell me to write one up…