Burial and Memorial Benefits

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Burial and Memorial Benefits -

Every eligible veteran of a branch of service is entitled to certain rights upon their death. The National Cemetery Administration provides a final resting place for veterans that served their country. The NCA provides not only a burial space for the veteran themselves, but also eligible family members as well. Their are several National Cemeteries across the United States, with one in nearly every state. Perhaps the most well-known of these Cemeteries is Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, VA.

Upon the request of the veteran, or their surviving family, the Department of Veterans Affairs will provide at no cost, a government headstone or marker for the grave of any eligible veteran. This headstone or marker can be placed in any cemetery around the world. Spouses of veterans are not eligible for the government-provided headstone or marker. Flat markers are granite, marble and bronze, while upright headstones are granite or marble. The one requirement of the headstone or marker choice made by the veteran or their surviving family is that it must match with existing monuments at the place of burial.

For honorably discharged veterans, a Presidential Memorial Certificate can be given to eligible recipients of the veterans family, including next of kin and loved ones. The program was begun in 1962 by President John F. Kennedy, and consists of an engraved paper certificate, signed by the current President, which honors the memory of the deceased veteran. More than one certificate may be provided.

The Department of Defense is the one responsible for providing military funeral honors for veterans. The title of the program is "Honoring Those Who Served," and states that every eligible veteran can receive a military funeral honors ceremony, which includes the folding and presenting of the US Flag and the playing of Taps. At the funeral, two or more uniformed military persons, with at least one being a member of the veteran's parent service, will be present. These services can be held at any cemetery around the world, including National Cemeteries within the United States.

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