The Officer's Guide, Nineteenth Edition, Military Service Publishing Company, 1952

MILITARY FUNERALS, ARMY

Significance of Military Funeral. The ceremonial customs that comprise the elements of all military funerals are rooted in ancient military usage. In many cases, these traditions are based on expedients used long ago on the battlefield in time of war. The use of a caisson as a hearse, for example, is an obvious combat improvisation.