"Honoring Those Who Served"

Funerals

The 2000 National Defense Authorization Act guarantees a military funeral to every eligible veteran. To comply with the law, the Department of Defense is committed to provide a respectful, dignified ceremony and improve the delivery of Military Funeral Honors to veterans requesting such honors.

The law provides for a basic military funeral honor ceremony consisting of the folding and presentation of the flag and the playing of "Taps" for every eligible veteran upon request.

Funeral directors are the designated point person to coordinate military funerals with the United States Department of Defense and the State of Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs.

Burial Space

Eligibility for burial in a Veteran's Administration (VA) national cemetery is based on the length of time in active military service and the nature of the veteran's separation from the service. A pamphlet titled "Interments in National Cemeteries" available from VA regional offices provides detailed information on national cemetery burial arrangements. Applications for burial should be made at the time of death by contacting the director of the national cemetery desired. Funeral directors can assist families in this process.

Arlington National Cemetery is under the jurisdiction of the Department of the Army, not the Department of Veterans Affairs. With the exception of cremated remains, burial is limited to specific categories of military personnel and veterans. For more information, write to the Superintendent, Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA 22211 or call 1-800-827-1000.

Headstones or Markers

• Headstones and markers are provided by VA free of charge to mark the unmarked graves of eligible veterans buried in any cemetery (national, state, private.)
• Headstones and markers are also provided free of charge to mark the unmarked graves of eligible dependents of veterans buried in national, military post or base cemeteries, or state veteran's cemeteries. Dependents buried in private cemeteries are not eligible.
• Memorial headstones or markers are provided for eligible veterans whose remains are not recovered or identified, buried at sea, donated to science or otherwise unavailable for interment.
• Niche markers are available to mark columbaria used for inurnment of cremated remains.
• Medal of Honor headstones and markers are available to mark the graves of recipients.
• Headstones and markers may be inscribed with certain optional items at Government expense including: emblem of belief, grade, rank, war service(s), complete dates of birth and death, several branches of service.
• Headstones and markers may be inscribed with certain military decorations at Government expense (Distinguished Service Cross, Navy Cross, Air Force Cross, Silver Star, and Purple Heart).
• Headstones and markers may be inscribed with additional items at private expense (civilian titles, nicknames) below the standard inscription. These additional inscriptions require the prior approval of VA.
• Headstones and markers are shipped at government expense. VA is not authorized to pay for installation in a private cemetery.
• Headstones and markers are set free of charge at national, military post or base cemeteries.
• Headstones and markers that are deteriorated, illegible, stolen, vandalized, incorrectly inscribed and of poor material/workmanship are replaced at Government expense.
• Marble and granite headstones or markers permanently removed from a grave must be destroyed. Bronze markers can usually be recycled.

Funeral directors can assist families in completing and submitting applications.