A state funeral is a public ceremony held to honor a deceased head of state or other significant national figure. These funerals are typically organized by the government and involve formal rituals, military honors, and public mourning. They serve to recognize the individual's contributions to the nation and allow citizens to pay their respects. State funerals often include a procession, a service in a prominent location, and burial in a national cemetery or memorial site. Notable examples include the state funerals of Winston Churchill and John F. Kennedy, which drew large crowds and extensive media coverage.