Eligible veterans can be buried in any of the 140 national cemeteries across the United States, often at no cost to the family. This includes the gravesite, opening and closing of the grave, perpetual care, a government headstone or marker, a burial flag, and a Presidential Memorial Certificate.

The VA provides headstones or markers for the graves of veterans and eligible dependents in any cemetery worldwide, including private cemeteries. These markers typically include the name of the veteran, branch of service, and any applicable emblems.

This is a certificate expressing the nation’s recognition of a veteran’s service. It is typically presented to the next of kin during the funeral service.

The VA may provide a burial allowance to help cover burial and funeral costs for eligible veterans. The allowance amount varies depending on whether the death was service-related or not and if the veteran was hospitalized by the VA at the time of death.

Upon request, the VA can arrange for military funeral honors for eligible veterans. This includes the folding and presentation of the United States burial flag and the playing of Taps by a bugler or recording.

The VA provides an American flag to drape over the casket or accompany the urn of a deceased veteran. This flag is generally given to the next of kin as a keepsake after the funeral service.

The VA’s National Cemetery Administration oversees the operation of national cemeteries and provides support to state veterans’ cemeteries.