Support, Loss & Encouragement
Flowers to Honor a Veteran
To honor a veteran — whether living or in memorial — choose dignified red, white, and blue flowers like roses, delphinium, and white gladiolus in a respectful, upright arrangement. Keep the tone one of gratitude and honor with no political framing, and if the tribute is for a graveside or memorial, ask the family or cemetery about placement customs first.
Written by the Burton Floral Design team · Published July 24, 2026
Flowers That Fit
Rose
Rosa × hybridaThe most requested cut flower in the world — dependable, expressive, and available in nearly every color.
Delphinium
Delphinium elatumTall, true-blue spires that bring vertical height and a rare saturated blue to arrangements.
Gladiolus
Gladiolus hortulanusTall, dramatic flower spikes that open from the bottom up and bring bold vertical height.
Carnation
Dianthus caryophyllusRuffled, long-lasting, and endlessly versatile — a hardworking flower that deserves its comeback.
Chrysanthemum
Chrysanthemum morifoliumLong-lasting, densely petaled, and available in more forms than almost any cut flower.
Iris
Iris × germanicaArchitectural blue-purple blooms that add height and a cool, painterly note to spring work.
Colors That Work
Worth Avoiding
- —Any partisan or political messaging — the tribute is about service and honor
- —Overly casual styling for a formal memorial or graveside
- —Placing memorial flowers at a cemetery without checking its rules
The Practical Part
How big to go
Medium to generous, depending on setting — a stately vase arrangement for a home or ceremony, or a standing tribute where a larger memorial piece is fitting.
Where to send it
A home for a living veteran, or the family, ceremony site, or gravesite for a memorial tribute. For cemeteries, confirm placement rules with the family or the grounds before sending.
When to send it
Around days of national remembrance, a service anniversary, or a personal milestone for a living veteran. For memorial tributes, coordinate timing with the family or the ceremony.
What to spend
A moderate arrangement suits most tributes, while a formal ceremony or standing memorial piece may call for something larger. Enduring flowers hold up well through a day of remembrance or a ceremony.
Customs vary
Memorial and remembrance customs for veterans vary by family, faith, and military tradition, and cemeteries — including national and military ones — often have specific rules for flowers and placement. Ask the family or the grounds what is appropriate before arranging a graveside tribute.
What To Write On The Card
The card is the hard part. Take any of these as-is, or as a starting point.
“With gratitude for your service and sacrifice.”
“Honoring you today, and thankful every day.”
“For your service, your courage, and everything it cost — thank you.”
“Remembering a life of service with deep respect.”
“Grateful beyond words for all you gave.”
Mistakes People Make
- Introducing political framing into a tribute meant to honor service
- Ignoring cemetery placement rules for memorial arrangements
- Treating a living veteran's tribute the same as a memorial one — ask first
Common Questions
What flowers are appropriate to honor a veteran?
Dignified red, white, and blue flowers — roses, delphinium, and white gladiolus in an upright, respectful arrangement. Keep the tone one of gratitude and honor, and for memorial or graveside tributes, check placement customs with the family or cemetery first.
Can I send flowers to a veteran's grave?
Often yes, but many cemeteries — including national and military grounds — have specific rules about flowers and placement. Confirm with the cemetery or the family before arranging a graveside tribute so it is welcome and allowed.
Ready when you are
Send The Right Thing
Browse arrangements that fit this occasion, or call and tell us the situation — a designer will choose with you.