What to wear to a service members funeral.

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 18 Mar 2014 17:06:14 -0400

I will be going to a funeral of a good friend, and fellow soldier, and am curious to know what the common consensus is on what would be and wouldn't be appropriate.<br><br>Some background information/specifics on the situation: I do not know if the deceased will be buried in civilian or military attire, and I do not know what the other service members will be wearing while attending. The deceased was on active duty at the time of death, and died in garrison as part of a motorcycle accident. I still have my ASU uniform, stripped of the unit awards and shoulder DUI. I also have formal black civilian clothes which is what I am tentatively planning to wear. <br><br>So my question is this, if you were placed in my situation, what would you consider the appropriate choice of attire?<br>

Response by SGM Matthew Quick made Mar 18 at 2014 5:10 PM

SGM Matthew Quick — Tue, 18 Mar 2014 17:10:02 -0400

I wore ASUs to a friend's funeral.<br><br>Check out AR 670-1 for veteran's wear of ASU.

Response by TSgt Phillip L. made Mar 18 at 2014 5:55 PM

TSgt Phillip L. — Tue, 18 Mar 2014 17:55:38 -0400

If you can still wear it appropriately, I'd wear that service dress uniform with pride. I don't think it attracts as much attention as you think, and I don't believe it to be disrespectful in any way. Quite the opposite actually.<br>

Response by SFC Victor Corcino made Mar 18 at 2014 6:28 PM

SFC Victor Corcino — Tue, 18 Mar 2014 18:28:23 -0400

Show your respect. I would go in my Class A's.

Response by SFC William Swartz Jr made Mar 18 at 2014 7:06 PM

SFC William Swartz Jr — Tue, 18 Mar 2014 19:06:46 -0400

I would check with the deceased's family if you can to find out what he will be buried in, as he was Active Duty, regardless of whether in garrison or deployed the Soldier may likely be buried in uniform unless the family chooses otherwise. Attending in your ASUs would never be considered wrong unless the family members of the deceased are angry at the Army or were against their loved one's service, strange but have seen this before.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 18 at 2014 7:09 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 18 Mar 2014 19:09:46 -0400

For women, it is most appropriate to wear conservative black suit or black dress uniform<div><br></div>

Response by CMC Robert Young made Mar 18 at 2014 7:23 PM

CMC Robert Young — Tue, 18 Mar 2014 19:23:38 -0400

SGT, in almost occasions the family of service members for funerals I have attended were appreciative of those in uniform particularly if there was a personal connection between those attending and the deceased. If Army regulations allow veterans to wear their uniforms to such events, it might be a nice touch.

I'd give you a thumbs up but I'm out of votes for the day..;-)

Response by SPC David Wyckoff made Mar 18 at 2014 8:00 PM

SPC David Wyckoff — Tue, 18 Mar 2014 20:00:43 -0400

I have nothing to help you with what to wear. I just wanted to say I'm sorry for your loss. I know you don't know me, but if I can provide any help just let me know.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 18 at 2014 9:00 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 18 Mar 2014 21:00:29 -0400

Personally, I would put my service dress uniform on.

Response by CPT Richard Riley made Mar 19 at 2014 6:57 AM

CPT Richard Riley — Wed, 19 Mar 2014 06:57:11 -0400

IF you served with this soldier, wearing ASU appropriately with pride is the right way to go. Military life gives those of us who serve a different view of what is in front of us. Any military member who served is entitled to a military funeral provided they served honorably. (I believe this is an accurate statement but have not taken the time this morning to research it) This said, attending in uniform is a display of camaraderie and respect for the fallen service member. Most likely you will not be the only person to attend in uniform and the family will see that you uphold your friendship and promise that 'we never leave anyone behind!' Be respectful and give the soldier the respect he is due.

Response by CPT Richard Riley made Mar 21 at 2014 11:15 AM

CPT Richard Riley — Fri, 21 Mar 2014 11:15:31 -0400

By now Sgt you've made your decision and attended the service. Regardless of how you decided to dress I do hope you received some closure for the loss of the friendship you had & hope the family knows that all service in our military is held in high regard by those of us who put the uniform on. We truly never leave anyone behind.

Response by LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow made Jul 27 at 2015 2:29 PM

LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow — Mon, 27 Jul 2015 14:29:55 -0400

Full Dress with Medals is always appropriate...