The United States National Cemetery Administration
iMortuary.com Blog Editors sincerely thank James Flanagan, Program Manager for the Presidential Memorial Certificate Program in the National Cemetery Administration, for his additions and early corrections to this article. His full comments are included in the Response section.
Every state and most major cities have a National Cemetery—those perfect rows of white headstones and crosses designating the burial place of our nation’s fallen heroes and veterans. If you have a military past, your funeral plans might bring up the possibility of burial in one of these cemeteries (or accessing other benefits through the Administration, such as a headstone, cremation costs, Presidential Memorial Certificate, or even a military salute to preside over the memorial service).
Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, DC is considered the nation’s cemetery, but is not a National Cemetery itself. Many people make it a life’s goal to visit (or be buried) here, though there are other equally impressive National Cemetery locations in Pennsylvania, California, and Tennessee, among others. Some of the cemeteries are affiliated or located near specific military forts, while others are found in rural outposts near smaller towns. A total of 14 are considered historic sites or are located near important battlefields. Overall, there are 131 National Cemeteries across the United States, some of which date back to the Civil War era (and house Confederate soldiers, as well).
Burial Benefits for Military Veterans
Because the National Cemeteries are such an important part of our nation’s tapestry, there are strict regulations for burial and benefits through the National Cemetery Administration. All benefits are run through the Department of Veterans Affairs, and are subject to individual evaluation. In order to qualify for burial in a National Cemetery, some of the requirements include adequate space at the cemetery itself, death while on active duty, or a successful completion (discharged “Other than Dishonorably”) from military service.
If burial is chosen for a National Cemetery and the veteran is determined to be eligible, the following are provided: the plot, opening and closing of the grave, outer burial container, headstone, and perpetual care for both the veteran, spouse, and/or any dependent children. Presidential Memorial Certificates are provided automatically for the next of kin of each veteran burial.
If you choose not to include the cemetery itself in your funeral planning, eligible veterans can also access benefits like a headstone or grave marker, Presidential Memorial Certificate, burial flag, or burial allowances (to cover funeral costs at an outside provider).
Almost all funeral homes in the United States are equipped to work with the VA Department on helping you access your benefits and incorporate them into a traditional, civilian funeral. If you are pre-planning a funeral, be sure and mention any VA benefits, as it can save you some time and help you access special plans.
Military Honors are most often provided when arranged for or requested by the funeral home and are not automatically provided by the cemetery. Burial flags are not automatically provided by the cemetery either, however most funeral homes provide them to the family upon request. All monetary benefits must be applied for by the funeral home assisting the family, or by the family directly, as the National Cemeteries are not capable of providing that form of assistance.
Visiting the National Cemeteries
In addition to serving as a place of burial for modern-day veterans, National Cemeteries are also ideal places to visit if you are in a new city for the first time, if you have a love of history, or if you are interested in honoring the soldiers who have served throughout U.S. History. There are strict hours of attendance, but most of the cemeteries are open during the day and national holidays, welcoming guests to pay their respects, to view the memorials erected inside, and to pay tribute to the men and women who have contributed so much to the safety of the United States.
iMortuary.com Blog Editors sincerely thank James Flanagan, Program Manager for the Presidential Memorial Certificate Program in the National Cemetery Administration, for his additions and early corrections to this article. His full comments are included in the Response section.
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