General Information
The NCA (National Cemetery Association) operates programs to memorialize veterans. Veterans may receive a free government headstone to mark their grave, even in private cemeteries. Military honors are provided by the Department of Defense and are arranged in advance by the family or their representative. National Cemetery staff will be pleased to assist in arranging for the honors to be provided, if available.
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 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.
Burial Benefits Burial in National Cemeteries
61 active
Full casket/cremated burial
Dependents under 21 may be buried in National Cemetery
Cremation garden
Memorials
Symbolic Expression of Remembrance
Headstones and markers shipped worldwide
Headstone/markers for vets buried in state cemeteries
Headstone/markers for vets buried in private cemeteries
Memorial markers for vets 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.
