Veteran Burial Honors

 "Our debt to the Heroic Men and Valiant Women in the service of our Country can never be repaid. They have earned our undying gratitude. America will never forget their sacrifices."~ President Harry Truman

Burial Benefits at National Cemeteries

Burial Benefits at National Cemeteries

 On Aug. 26, 2003 the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery inaugurated an all-volunteer Memorial Squad to assist in military honors. When possible, the melodic sound of live Taps can be heard echoing throughout the serene cemetery grounds, otherwise, electronic Taps are available at three committal shelters.

The DOD program, "Honoring Those Who Served," calls for funeral directors to request military funeral honors on behalf of the veteran's family. When requested, a detail consisting of at least two uniformed military persons, with at least one being a member of the veteran's branch of service provide folding and presentation of the U.S. flag and can also play Taps, either by a high-quality recording or a bugler. For more information on Veteran Funeral Honors, please call us 708-532-1635

Veterans' Burial Benefits

Veterans' Burial Benefits

Veterans’ burial benefits include:

  • A gravesite in any of the 125 national cemeteries with available space
  • Opening and closing of the grave
  • Perpetual care
  • A Government headstone or marker
  • A burial flag
  • A Presidential Memorial Certificate

All are at no cost to the family.

Some Veterans may also be eligible for Burial Allowances. Cremated remains are buried or inurned in National Cemetery in the same manner and with the same honors as casketed remains.

The VA suggests that if burial will be in a private cemetery and a Government headstone or marker will be requested for the veteran’s grave, that the family apply for one in advance so that the application can be placed with the veterans military discharge papers for use at the time of need.

Grave-sites in Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) national cemeteries cannot be reserved in advance; however, reservations made prior to 1962 will be honored. Families are encouraged to prepare in advance by discussing cemetery options, collecting the veteran’s military information including discharge papers, and by contacting the cemetery where burial is desired.

http://www.cem.va.gov/cem/burial_benefits/index.asp