What You Need to Know About Veteran Funeral Services

If you have a veteran loved one who served our country, there are a few things you need to know and provide for their funeral services. For example, a veteran’s burial benefits may include a government-issued headstone, honor guard membership, or a traditional government burial. Additionally, a veteran’s spouse or dependent is eligible for a burial suited for cremated remains.

VA burial benefits

Veterans are eligible for VA burial benefits for funeral services and burial. They receive allowances for the veteran funeral services Chesapeake, VA, a burial flag, and a letter from the President of the United States. They also qualify if they were discharged under conditions other than dishonorable. Often, this benefit is tax-free. If the veteran had been on active duty, they might have also been eligible for burial benefits.

If the Veteran died in the armed forces, they are eligible for burial benefits. To receive the benefits, the next of kin will need to contact the Veterans’ National Cemetery Scheduling Office to make arrangements for interment. In addition, they may need to submit the Veteran’s death certificate or DD-214 or contact the national cemetery. Unfortunately, veterans who committed capital crimes that resulted in a military discharge cannot receive burial benefits at the national cemetery. In these cases, families may want to purchase a government-furnished memorial instead.

Honor guard members

Public Law 106-65, introduced on January 1, 2000, requires the United States Armed Forces to provide military funeral honors to eligible veterans at their funeral. This federal law requires a two-member honor guard detail, with at least one member representing the armed service of the veteran’s parent. A funeral director can request honor guard members in advance by filling out DMNA Form 86 and faxing it to the military force at least 48 hours before the funeral.

Veteran funeral services may require a flag folding ceremony and the playing of Taps. Sometimes, a lone bugler can play this vital ceremony, though the United States Armed Forces does not provide buglers. In such cases, trained volunteers can serve as pallbearers or assist in other aspects of the service. For more information on funeral honors, contact a veteran’s funeral director.

Standard government headstone

You might want a standard government headstone for your loved one for several reasons. First, this type of marker is free if the veteran has served their country. These markers are also accompanied by a burial flag, Presidential Memorial Certificate, and Burial Allowances. However, you may not be able to claim these benefits if you wish to be buried in a private cemetery. If you want to use the government headstone program, you must fill out a VA Form 40-1330 and send it to the appropriate VA facility. You should have the veteran’s discharge papers handy as well.

The standard government headstone for veteran funeral services includes the name, branch of service, and year of birth. It may also have a religious emblem or text to indicate the deceased’s beliefs. Inscriptions may include personal words, a military rank, a war service (such as World War II), and military organizations. There are also optional inscriptions that you can add. These are available in different colors, so you can pick the one that best represents you and your loved one.

Nonveteran spouse/dependent is also eligible for a burial designed for cremated remains.

A burial designed for veteran funeral services can be performed for a surviving veteran’s nonveteran spouse or dependent. However, the veteran’s primarily eligible spouse or dependent must be buried in the same grave as the veteran. In addition, a nonveteran spouse or dependent is unsuitable for an additional grave, niche, or memorial marker at the cemetery.

Not only are veterans eligible for VA national cemeteries, but their spouses or dependents may also qualify for this type of burial. To qualify for such a burial, the veteran must have completed the required service period and been discharged under honorable conditions. Nonveteran spouses/dependents can also qualify if they are married to a veteran.

Finding a veteran funeral home

If you plan to pay the last respects to a loved one who served in the military, you should consider finding a veteran funeral home. There are certain benefits that these individuals are entitled to. For instance, they may qualify for free burial or a veterans funeral allowance. A veteran funeral home can help you learn more about these benefits and how they can help you. You can also ask about different packages available to help you make arrangements.

Military honors include a burial flag presentation. The VA provides a burial flag for every veteran who served. The next of kin of a veteran will receive a flag upon request. The funeral director will work with the honor guard from the deceased veteran’s branch to arrange the military honors. Typically, military honors involve playing Taps, presenting the flag, and folding it. In most cases, the veterans’ families can request an upright headstone or flat marker to fit their taste.