Services
Traditional Caisson Burial Provides. . .
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Two-horse drawn caisson and limber
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One Chief of Peace outrider
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Family escort if requested
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Historically accurate Civil War-era style uniforms, tack and equipment
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Adherence to all Standard Operating Procedures as requested by Sarasota National Cemetery and adhering to military protocol in honoring the deceased as appropriate
Additional Services Available Include . . .
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Caparison Horse as designated by military protocol
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Bagpiper(s)
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Drummer(s)
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Special “mourner’s carriage” allowing less stressful travel for family members will be offered in the Fall of 2010
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Caisson, horses, tack and staff for special memorial services and events
The Sequence of Caisson Mission Event
The sequence of caisson involvement begins with the arrival of the casket and honor guard or attendants to the cemetery. The casket is then secured by the honor guard or attendants and appropriately saluted.The casket is transferred to the caisson by the attending honor guard or funeral home staff and/or family attendees. Caissons are also used when the choice has been made for cremation of the deceased, with the urn placed inside a flag-draped casket for caisson transport to the burial site.
The caisson, followed by the appropriate honor guard, family members and other mourners, proceeds to the committal shelter.
The caisson arrives at the committal shelter. The casket is removed by the honor guard or attendants and the flag is centered and secured over the casket. The caisson quietly leaves the committal shelter as the service begins.
Sarasota National Cemetery details:
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295 acres of cemetery grounds
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Hours of operation: Monday through Friday 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
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Phase One (total of 3 phases planned): 60 acres with capacity for the following: 18,200 full casket burials, 15,200 pre-placed crypts, 50 in-ground cremains, and 7,000 Columbarian niches
