Planning a burial for a veteran can be a lengthy process. This blog post will walk you through the key steps, from understanding burial rights to military traditions.

By making yourself familiar with these elements you can guarantee that your loved one’s service to our country is recognized with the dignity and respect they deserve.

A burial ceremony for a veteran is about honoring a life of dedication and service. The final tribute usually includes military honors, consisting of the folding and presentation of the American flag, and playing of Taps. Taps has been included in military funeral rites since the Civil War, and is used to signify "the end of day".

When military honors are performed, two uniformed servicemen from your loved one's particular branch will arrive at the cemetery or place of service. The flag will be draped over the casket. If your loved one was cremated, the flag will be folded prior to services and then refolded. Following a playing of Taps, the two servicemen will fold the flag and present it to the designated next of kin. The folded flag is then placed into a case for display, ensuring it is protected for years to come. 

Veterans' Burial Benefits

Burial benefits are overseen by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). These benefits include a burial plot in a national or state veterans’ cemetery, as well as headstones, markers, or medallions to mark the gravesite (with proper completion of applications).The form your funeral director will fill out to apply for a headstone or marker is VA Form VA 40-1330. The form your funeral director will fill out to apply for your loved one's burial flag is VA Form 27-2008.

The eligibility criteria for burial benefits is generally straightforward. Typically, honorably discharged veterans are entitled to these benefits, as well as their spouses and unmarried dependent children. It is important that the veteran was honorably discharged. If the discharge was "dishonorable" your loved one would only be eligible for a burial flag. 

At the time of funeral arrangements, your funeral director will ask for a copy of the veteran's Discharge Documents, or DD-214. The DD-214 is used to confirm your loved one's status as a veteran before applying for burial benefits, or scheduling military honors. 

In the state of Pennsylvania, Veterans are eligible for up to 5 free death certificates. In Delaware, Veterans are able to receive 1 free death certificate. These can take about 4-6 weeks to arrive at the funeral home after the initial death certificate has been filed. 

Veterans' Cemeteries

Veterans’ cemeteries often require coordination with the VA, which the funeral home can assist with. Veterans' cemeteries will  typically cover the cost of the opening and closing of  the grave, as well as a burial vault. Some locations may have extensive waiting lists or limited space, such as the National Cemetery in Washington, D.C., which could require families to make alternative arrangements

If the veteran is to be cremated, burial or inurnment in a columbarium is also an option. Many national cemeteries have constructed stand-alone columbariums that allow for mulitple urns to be placed together. 

If your loved one is to be buried outside of a Veterans' cemetery, there may be limitations as to what kinds of veterans headstones or markers can be used. It is a good idea to check with cemetery staff and your funeral director to determine these specific requirements when choosing a headstone or marker. 

Below, we have listed two Veterans' Cemeteries in our area that many families choose as final resting places for their loved ones. We have also included address and contact information for local Veterans Affairs offices.

Washington Crossing National Cemetery -  (Contact: 215-504-5610)

830 Highland Rd, Newtown, PA 18940

Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery - (Contact: 302-834-8046)

2465 Chesapeake City Rd, Bear, DE 19701 

Veteran's Affairs Offices

Chester County Veterans Affairs - (Contact: 610-344-6375)

601 Westtown Rd # 170, West Chester, PA 19382 

Delaware County Department of Military and Veterans Affairs - (Contact: 610-891-4646)

Government Center, First Floor - Room 106
201 W. Front St.
Media, PA 19063

In conclusion, the burial of Veteran is one that must be performed with the utmost respect and dignity. If you find yourself having any questions or concerns about Veterans' Funerals, please do not hesitate to reach out to one of our knowledgeable funeral directors at Kuzo Funeral Home, located in Kennett Square, PA - 610-444-4116