Military Caskets

Sky Caskets offers a range of military caskets crafted to honor the brave men and women who served our country. Designed for both durability and elegance, our military caskets feature symbols and emblems representing various branches of service options, including the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard. Available in polished, brushed, and painted finishes, these caskets provide a patriotic tribute to our veterans and active-duty service members.

Our military casket products come in colors that reflect each branch of service. Army caskets feature black finishes with gold or red accents. Air Force and Coast Guard caskets display a distinctive dark blue exterior. Navy caskets often use dark blue or black with silver accents, while Marine Corps caskets feature the classic scarlet and gold. Many models feature white decorative corner accents and sculpted hardware that honor military tradition.

With customization options such as branch-specific emblems, custom engravings, and personalized interior fabrics, our military caskets enable you to create a meaningful tribute. We offer next-day delivery to funeral homes across the United States at affordable prices, ensuring families receive a dignified, timely farewell.

FAQs – Military Caskets

These common questions help families understand military caskets and the options available to honor veterans who served our country.

Who pays for a casket in a military funeral?

The family is typically responsible for paying for the casket in a military funeral. The VA doesn’t directly pay for caskets or funeral service expenses. However, veterans and their families can apply for burial allowances to help offset the cost.

For service-connected deaths, families may receive up to $2,000 toward burial expenses. For non-service-connected deaths, the VA pays up to $978 for burial costs and $978 for plot expenses as of 2024. If a veteran dies while under VA hospital care, similar allowances apply. Indigent veterans with no next of kin may receive a VA-furnished casket or cremation urn at no cost.

Many families choose to purchase military caskets online at affordable prices to extend these benefits. Funeral homes are required by law to accept caskets purchased elsewhere, which can save families up to 85% on funeral costs compared to funeral home pricing.

What do Navy SEALs put on caskets?

Navy SEALs have a tradition of placing their Trident pins on a fallen teammate’s casket. The gold Trident, officially called the Special Warfare insignia, represents the elite status these warriors earned through their service. During the funeral, SEALs approach the casket one by one and press their Trident pins into the wooden lid.

This custom became widely known after it was shown at military funerals and memorial services. The sound of each pin being embedded in the casket creates a powerful tribute to fallen heroes. Friends and fellow SEALs consider it a final salute and mark of respect. The Trident pins remain with the casket, symbolizing that their brother will rest with the honor he earned.

Beyond the Trident ceremony, military caskets for Navy personnel often feature dark blue or black exteriors with silver accents and the Navy emblem on the head panel.

What are military caskets made of?

Military caskets are made of the same high-quality materials as standard caskets. Most military caskets are made of durable steel, available in 20-gauge and 18-gauge. Some families choose stainless steel, bronze, or solid hardwood products for added elegance.

Steel military caskets are the most popular choice. 20-gauge steel offers an affordable price point while providing lasting protection. 18-gauge steel is about 20% thicker and more durable. Both options can include a rubber gasket seal around the lid. The exterior typically features branch-specific colors. Army caskets use black with gold trim. Air Force caskets display dark blue exteriors. Coast Guard caskets also feature dark blue finishes with distinctive accents.

Interior options include crepe or velvet fabrics in colors like spinner white, decorative patterns, red, or dark blue to match the branch of service. Hardware often includes spinner white decorative corners, sculpted handles, and engraved emblems.

When a veteran dies, do they get a military funeral?

Yes, honorably discharged veterans are entitled to military funeral honors. However, the family must request these honors, as they don’t happen automatically. Any veteran with a discharge other than dishonorable qualifies for basic military funeral honors at no cost.

Basic honors include at least two uniformed service members who present the burial flag and play Taps. The flag is then folded and presented to the next of kin. Full military honors, available to higher-ranking veterans, may include a rifle volley, a color guard, and other ceremonial elements.

The family can arrange military funeral honors through the funeral home, which coordinates with the appropriate branch of service. Veterans can also be buried in national cemeteries, which provide a gravesite, headstone, and perpetual care at no cost. These benefits honor the sacrifice veterans made during their service to our country.

What colors are available for military caskets?

Military caskets come in colors that represent each branch of service. Army caskets typically feature a black exterior with gold or red accent trim. Air Force caskets display a dark blue finish that reflects the service branch’s colors. Navy caskets use dark blue or black with silver hardware.

Marine Corps caskets often feature scarlet and gold accents on a dark base. Coast Guard caskets feature dark blue exteriors, similar to those of Air Force products. All branches can include white decorative corner pieces with a spinner, adding elegance to the military design.

Interior colors can also be customized to match. Many families choose spinner white decorative velvet interiors or colors that reflect the branch, such as dark blue for Air Force veterans or red for Army and Marine Corps. Custom embroidery with rank, name, and service dates can be added to the interior head panel.

Are military caskets more expensive than regular caskets?

Military caskets don’t have to cost more than standard caskets. The base casket is the same product with added military emblems, hardware, and custom colors. Some military caskets are offered at the same affordable price as their non-military counterparts, with branch-specific details.

The cost depends on materials, level of customization, and where you buy. Funeral homes typically mark up caskets significantly. Buying military caskets online can save families thousands of dollars. Our military casket products start at competitive prices with free next-day delivery to funeral homes nationwide.

Veterans can use VA burial allowances to help cover the cost. When you combine these benefits with online savings, families can honor their loved one’s service without financial strain. We believe every veteran deserves a dignified tribute at an affordable price.

Can veterans choose cremation instead of a casket burial?

Yes, veterans can choose cremation, and they still receive full military burial benefits. The VA provides the same honors for cremated remains as for casket burials. Veterans choosing cremation are still entitled to burial in a national cemetery, military funeral honors, a burial flag, and a government headstone or marker.

Cremation urns can be interred in national cemeteries just like caskets. Many families hold a memorial service before cremation, where a casket is present for viewing. Funeral homes offer rental caskets for this purpose. The veteran is then transferred to a cremation container afterward.

Some families purchase a military-themed cremation urn instead of a casket. These products feature branch-of-service emblems and military colors, such as dark blue for Air Force and black for Army veterans. The choice between casket burial and cremation is personal, and both options allow families to honor their veteran’s service with dignity.