Where Veterans May Be Laid To Rest
According to the Veterans Administration, “veterans, service members, and some family members may be eligible for burial in a VA national cemetery.” Those who qualify are also eligible for several burial benefits at no cost. These include:
- A gravesite at one of 120 National Cemeteries. Many cemeteries are limited in space or no longer have space available; such is the case of the Los Angeles National Cemetery and the Rosecrans National Cemetery in San Diego. The closest available cemetery to Orange County is the Riverside National Cemetery, which conducts more than 7,000 interments each year. They anticipate having enough capacity until 2030, with additional property expansion possible in the near future.
- The labor associated with opening and closing of the grave.
- A minimum outer burial liner.
- A headstone or graveside marker and ongoing care of the gravesite.
- Additionally, members of the family may apply for burial flags, a presidential memorial certificate, or special medallions for the grave markers.
- Military honors, including flag folding, a gun salute or the playing of Taps may also be requested but are limited by the number of Military Honor Details available.
Hilgenfeld Mortuary’s staff will work directly with Riverside National Cemetery on the family’s behalf. Find more information our Veterans Services page under the Service Options tab on our website or contact us for any questions you have regarding burial and memorial benefits for veterans and their families.
You may also find more details on the Veterans Administration Website: https://www.va.gov/burials-memorials/