Veteran Funeral Information

        Who is eligible for Military Funeral Honors?

-Military members on active duty or in the Selected Reserve.

-Former military members who served on active duty and departed under conditions other than dishonorable.

-Former military members who completed at least one term of enlistment or period of initial obligated service in the Selected Reserve and departed under conditions other than dishonorable.

-Former military members discharged from the Selected Reserve due to a disability incurred or aggravated in the line of duty.

             -Reimbursement of Burial Expense-

The United States Government provides a $300 burial and funeral expense allowance for veterans who, at the time of death, were entitled to receive pension or compensation or would have been entitled to compensation but for receipt of military retirement pay. Eligibility is also established when death occurs in a Veterans’ Administration facility or a nursing home which the Veterans’ Administration contracted, and additional costs of transportation of the remains may be reimbursed in those cases. Claims must be filed within two years after permanent burial or cremation.

            -Grave or Niche at National Cemetery-

The United States Government provides free burial in a National Cemetery to all those who are eligible. This includes the gravesite, opening and closing of the grave, and perpetual care. Many national cemeteries have columbaria niches for the entombment of cremated remains or special sections for burial of cremated remains, if cremation is chosen as the final form of disposition.

                  -Headstone and Markers-

 The United States Government provides headstones and markers for the graves of veterans and eligible dependents anywhere in the world that are not already marked. Flat bronze, flat granite, flat marble, and upright marble types are available to mark the grave of a veteran or dependent in the style consistent with exiting monuments at the place of burial. Bronze niche markers are also available to mark columbaria in national cemeteries used for intombment of cremated remains (some cemeteries charge for marker installation).

              -Presidential Memorial Certificate-

The Presidential Memorial Certificate is a parchment with a calligraphic inscription expressing the nation's grateful recognition of the veteran's service. The veteran's name is inscribed, and the certificate bears the signature of the President and the presidential seal in gold foil.

                  -United States Burial Flag-

The United States Government provides an American flag to drape the casket of a veteran who was discharged under conditions other than dishonorable. After the funeral service, the flag may be given to the next of kin or a close associate of the deceased.

                  -Veterans Administration-

Military veterans and their dependents are entitled to a variety of benefits depending on their circumstances. Once you have determined what benefits can be claimed and you have gathered all the forms and information that apply to you, you may contact the Veterans Affairs at

(800) 827-1000.

        William J. Cassidy                                 

            -US Army Veteran

            -Funeral Director

            -Veteran Funeral Honors Provider