Following are some of the commonly asked questions and answers about burial in a National Cemetery:
Who is eligible to be buried in a National Cemetery?
Any veteran who was discharged from active duty military service under other than dishonorable conditions.
- Enlisted personnel who began their active service after September 7, 1980 and officer personnel who entered service after October 17, 1981 must complete 24 months of continuous service or the full period for which called to active duty, whichever is shorter. Veterans discharged due to a hardship discharge or a service-connected disability prior to completing 24 months of continuous service are also entitled to burial in a National Cemetery.
- Any member of the US Armed Forces who dies while serving on active duty.
- The spouse of an eligible active duty member or veteran is also entitled to burial even if the veteran or active duty member is not interred in a National Cemetery.
- Minor dependent children of an eligible active duty member or veteran who are unmarried and under age 21 have entitlement to National Cemetery burial. A dependent child who has reached age 21 and is pursuing a course of instruction in an approved educational institution retains their eligibility until they reach age 23.
What are the benefits associated with a National Cemetary?
They include:
- Provided at no charge
- Furnishing a grave space
- Opening and closing the grave
- Providing the interment site with perpetual care
- Supplying a suitable upright headstone or flat granite marker
- Liner for grave
Please note: Persons arranging for an interment should be aware that gravesites may not be reserved in advance.
For more information on Veteran arrangements, visit the
National Cemetery website or contact
Beach Funeral Home at (321) 777-4640
