Eligibility Requirements for National Cemetery Burial
To be eligible for burial in a national cemetery, an individual must have served in the US Armed Forces and have a discharge status that is other than dishonorable. This includes veterans of all branches of the military, as well as members of the Reserve and National Guard who died while on active duty for training or during a drill period.
Additionally, the spouse and minor children of eligible veterans may also be buried in a national cemetery, as well as certain unmarried adult children who are permanently disabled and incapable of self-support.
Types of Eligible Individuals
Eligible individuals for national cemetery burial include Medal of Honor recipients, Purple Heart recipients, and prisoners of war. Other eligible individuals include those who have died while on active duty, as well as those who have died as a result of a service-connected disability.
Additionally, certain civilians who have provided military-related service, such as Merchant Marines and civilian employees of the US Army and Air Force Exchange Service, may also be eligible for burial in a national cemetery.
Application Process for National Cemetery Burial
To apply for burial in a national cemetery, the next of kin or a representative of the deceased must submit an application to the National Cemetery Administration. The application must include documentation of the deceased's military service, such as a DD Form 214, as well as proof of the deceased's identity and relationship to the applicant.
The application will be reviewed by the National Cemetery Administration, and if approved, the applicant will be notified of the availability of a grave site and the scheduling of the burial service.
Benefits of National Cemetery Burial
Burial in a national cemetery provides a number of benefits to the deceased and their family, including a gravesite, headstone or marker, and perpetual care of the grave. The gravesite is provided at no cost to the family, and the headstone or marker is also provided at no cost.
Additionally, the national cemetery will provide a graveside service, including a graveside ceremony and the presentation of a US flag to the next of kin, as well as a Presidential Memorial Certificate.
National Cemetery Locations and Contact Information
There are over 140 national cemeteries located throughout the United States, as well as several overseas. Each cemetery has its own contact information and hours of operation, and can be reached by phone or email to schedule a burial service or to obtain more information about eligibility and the application process.
The National Cemetery Administration also provides a website and a toll-free phone number for families to obtain more information and to submit an application for burial in a national cemetery.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the eligibility requirements for burial in a national cemetery?
Eligibility requirements include serving in the US Armed Forces with a discharge status other than dishonorable, as well as being the spouse or minor child of an eligible veteran.
How do I apply for burial in a national cemetery?
To apply, submit an application to the National Cemetery Administration with documentation of the deceased's military service and proof of identity and relationship to the applicant.
What benefits are provided with burial in a national cemetery?
Benefits include a gravesite, headstone or marker, and perpetual care of the grave, as well as a graveside service and a Presidential Memorial Certificate.
Can civilians be buried in a national cemetery?
Certain civilians who have provided military-related service, such as Merchant Marines, may be eligible for burial in a national cemetery.
How do I find a national cemetery near me?
The National Cemetery Administration provides a website with a cemetery locator tool to help families find a national cemetery near their location.
What is the cost of burial in a national cemetery?
There is no cost to the family for the gravesite, headstone or marker, or perpetual care of the grave.