Question:
How can we reconcile with Jewish practices the Army practice of allowing the coffin to remain above the ground during the funeral service and giving of military honors?
Answer:
The problem involved in this matter is what is the proper time for reciting of the Tsidduk Ha-Din. The discussion is found in Beth Joseph to Tur Yore Deah 339 and in the Tur itself 376. It is evident from the Tur that the older custom was to say the Tsidduk Ha-Din at the home the moment the relative died. Another (a later custom) was to say it at the cemetery.
The present Ashkenazic custom is to say the Tsidduk Ha-Din at the cemetery before the body is buried and the Kaddish after the burial.
Inasmuch as Jewish custom permits so much of the service before the body is buried, i.e., the psalms on the way to the grave, etc., there can be no objection to following the custom of permitting the services and the rendering of the military honors before the coffin is lowered.