On Writing a Veteran's Eulogy

When a loved one passes away, it is important for a close family member or friend to write a eulogy for them. When a veteran passes, there are additional aspects to consider mentioning in your speech. This article will focus on those more specific items.

Acknowledging Their Service

For many veterans, their military service is a big part of the funeral. Veterans will often receive a special service handled by the armed forces, so it is important to acknowledge their service in your eulogy. 

Do Your Research

Do some research on your loved one’s service. Try speaking to friends and family about their time in the military. Consider researching your loved one’s unit, or speaking with their fellow servicemen if possible. 

Share Memories and Stories

Consider sharing tasteful stories from your loved one’s service that they might have told you. You may want to check with another close family member or friend to ensure that you have the story right before you mention it. 

Their Life After War

It is also equally important to talk about the veteran’s life after their service. If they served in WWII or Vietnam, for example, they led a long life beyond the military. Be sure to mention loved ones and highlights of the rest of their life. 

Practice Makes Perfect

Practicing your speech will help you deal with the pressures of public speaking, and it can help you clean it up. Rehearsing your eulogy can make it easier to get through some of the more emotional beats. Additionally, practicing will help you cut out more problematic wordings or spots that may trip you up.

For over 50 years, Matthew Funeral Home has been serving the Staten Island community. We can help with almost every aspect of your loved one’s memorial service. Our family is here to serve yours, every step of the way.