Congressman Van Taylor (R-TX) joined Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-CA), Elaine Luria (D-VA), and Dan Crenshaw (R-TX) to introduce the Full Military Honors Act.
WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Van Taylor (R-TX) joined Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-CA), Elaine Luria (D-VA), and Dan Crenshaw (R-TX), to introduce the
Full Military Honors Act.
The legislation provides a full military honors ceremony – including funeral escort honor platoon, military band, firing party, and horse-drawn caisson – to Medal of Honor recipients and Prisoners Of War eligible for burial at Arlington National Cemetery. Currently, full military honors are reserved for senior officers, noncommissioned officers, and servicemembers killed in combat.
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Congressman Van Taylor said, "Medal of Honor recipients and Prisoners Of War have made incredible sacrifices for our nation, as have their families and loved ones. Ensuring we properly recognize their sacrifice and service, even after their passing, is a small yet meaningful symbol of our gratitude. Those who have sacrificed so much for our freedom deserve to be honored as the heroes that they are."
"This legislation provides Medal of Honor and Prisoners Of War heroes the recognition they deserve for their unwavering service to our country. Full military honors ceremonies remind us of the service and valor demonstrated by those who have defended, protected, and sacrificed for freedom and democracy. I am humbled and honored to introduce this bipartisan legislation with my servicemember and veteran colleagues," said Congressman Jimmy Panetta.
"Arlington National Cemetery is the final resting place for America’s bravest heroes. Eligible Medal of Honor recipients and Prisoners of War unquestionably fall into that category, and they deserve full military honors at the end of life," Congresswoman Luria said. "I am proud to cosponsor this bipartisan legislation to ensure we properly remember their dedication, courage, and sacrifice."
“Valor knows no rank. Providing full military honors is the least we can do for our Prisoners of War and Medal of Honor recipients. This bill will rightfully recognize and honor their courageous service and sacrifices. Through this legislation, we stand with their families in saying ‘never forget," said Congressman Dan Crenshaw.
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Background
Currently, full military escort honors are reserved for senior officers, noncommissioned officers, and servicemembers killed in combat. Medal of Honor recipients and Prisoners of War - who survived captivity and made it home - are denied full honors. Those military members who obtained the grade of E-9, CW-4 and CW-5, and O-4 and above or service members, regardless of rank who were killed in action, may receive military funeral honors with funeral escorts provided by the decedent's branch of service.
The elements of military funeral honors with escort include:
- A casket team (body bearers/pallbearers)
- A firing party
- A bugler
- Folding of and Presentation of our National Colors
- An escort element (size varies according to the rank of the deceased)
- A military band
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The full text of the
Full Military Honors Act can be found
here. Senate companion legislation was introduced on February 6, 2019 by Senators Tom Cotton (R-AR) and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA).
A 7th generation Texan, Congressman Van Taylor is a dedicated family man, successful businessman, and decorated Marine Officer. Taylor served Collin County both in the Texas House of Representatives and Texas Senate. On November 6, 2018, Van Taylor was elected to represent Texas’ 3rd Congressional District in the United States Congress.
