Here's why:
* Military Funerals: These are formal events governed by specific regulations and protocols. They are mandatory for military personnel who die while on active duty and involve specific rituals and honors.
* Memorial Services: These are more informal gatherings meant to celebrate the life of the deceased. They can be held in various settings (church, funeral home, or even a park) and are tailored to the individual's preferences.
Command may encourage and support memorial services as a way to:
* Provide a platform for grieving and remembrance: Memorial services allow family, friends, and fellow soldiers to come together and share memories of the deceased.
* Promote unit cohesion: Participating in a memorial service can help soldiers process their grief and support each other during a difficult time.
* Honor the memory of the deceased: Memorial services provide an opportunity to acknowledge the life and sacrifice of the soldier.
However, making memorial services mandatory would infringe on the individual's right to choose how they wish to commemorate their loved one's life. Therefore, command can only encourage and support these services, not mandate them.