BURIAL BENEFITS

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Disclaimer: I am not a service officer for any organization and I am NOT employed by the VA. This information is intended as an aid for fellow veterans and service members. Please verify all information with the VA or a veterans service organization.

BURIAL BENEFITS

Burial in National Cemeteries

· 119 national cemeteries (61 are active).
· Full-casket burials and burial of cremated remains.
· Dependents under 21 may be buried in a national cemetery.
· Cremation gardens.
· Memorial areas.

Symbolic Expressions of Remembrance

· Headstones and markers shipped worldwide.
· Headstones and markers for veterans buried in state cemeteries.
· Headstones and markers for veterans buried in private cemeteries.
· Memorial markers for veterans whose remains were not recovered or were donated to science.

Presidential Memorial Certificates

Certificates bearing the signature of the President are issued honoring the service of deceased veterans with honorable discharges. Eligible recipients include next of kin and other loved ones.

Burial Flags

An American flag is provided to drape the casket of a veteran or to accompany the urn. After the service, the flag may be given to the next of kin, or may be donated to a VA national cemetery for the Avenue of Flags, where appropriate.

National Shrines

VA national cemeteries are maintained as national shrines dedicated to preserving our nation’s history, nurturing patriotism and honoring the service and sacrifice veterans have made.

Eligibility

Veterans with other than dishonorable discharges, their spouses and dependent children may be eligible for burial in a VA national cemetery. Reservists and National Guard members with 20 years qualifying service (who are entitled to retired pay or would be entitled if at least 60 years of age), have earned the honor of burial in a national cemetery. Service members who die on active duty may also be buried in a national cemetery.

Military Honors

Military honors are provided by the Department of Defense and are arranged by the family or their representative. National Cemetery staff will be pleased to assist in arranging for the honors to be provided, if available.

Gravesites in VA national cemeteries cannot be reserved in advance. Families are encouraged to prepare in advance by discussing cemetery options, by collecting the veteran’s military information and by calling the cemetery where burial is desired prior to the time of need.

Funeral directors or one of your local veterans’ service organizations will assist you with making burial arrangements.

For information on monetary benefits or other burial benefits, please call the toll-free number, 1-800-827-1000, or visit the website at www.cem.va.gov