Veteran Funeral Benefits: Cemeteries, Registration, Grave Markers
What kinds of benefits are often provided to veterans for their funeral and burial? Here are several to keep in mind.
There are many ways that our society looks to give back to those who have served our country in the US armed forces, and this theme even extends to funerals and burials in many cases. There are several different benefits that may be afforded to veterans when they pass, all with the goal of honoring them and the service they've provided to the country and the people in it.
At McDougal Funeral Home, we're proud to offer a comprehensive range of funeral and burial resources for anyone in Salt Lake City or nearby areas who is in need, from family members of the departed to many others. From programs in funeral and cremation services to advanced planning, obituaries and a number of other areas, we provide caring services that help you meet all your needs in a time of grief. In this two-part blog series, we'll discuss some of the benefits that may be offered to veterans for their funerals and/or burials, plus how surviving family members should be considering these areas during funeral planning.
Veterans' Cemeteries
One of the first and most notable benefits that's often extended to veterans is the option to be buried in a veterans' cemetery. These burial grounds are carefully maintained and offer a respectful, honorable place for veterans to be laid to rest. The Veterans Administration (VA) operate 131 national cemeteries in the United States, plus another 33 state veterans' cemeteries that receive some level of financial support.
When considering a veterans' cemetery for burial, it's important to note that there are generally three different types: National, state and private. National cemeteries are open to any eligible veteran, their spouses and dependent children, while state veterans' cemeteries have varying requirements (such as being a resident of that state). Private cemeteries may also offer burial options for veterans, but it's important to speak with the cemetery directly to find out if they do and what the requirements or costs may be.
Advanced Pre-Registration
Down related lines, many veterans' cemeteries offer an advanced pre-registration program. With this, veterans can fill out paperwork and make all the necessary arrangements in advance so that their survivors don't have to worry about it at the time of death. This can be an extremely helpful tool for anyone who is
planning their funeral in advance, or for family members who may be dealing with the death of a loved one.
Grave Markers
Another common benefit for veterans is the option of a free grave marker. The VA provides headstones and markers for the graves of eligible veterans, as well as for their spouses and dependent children in some cases. These headstones and markers come in a variety of styles and can be customized to meet the specific needs and wishes of the family.
There are many other benefits and assistance programs that may be available to veterans and their families, so it's important to speak with a funeral director to learn more. At McDougal Funeral Home, we're here to help in any way we can. Contact us today with any questions or to begin making funeral arrangements in SLC or nearby areas.
