subject: Selection of a National Cemetery [print this page] Selection of a National Cemetery Selection of a National Cemetery
Selection of a National Cemetery
A national cemetery serves several purposes. The deceasedmay have expressed a firm wish to be buried with his fallencomrades, and, indeed, in the twilight of his life, burial in a national cemetery may become almost an obsession with him.On the other hand, burial in a national cemetery is also a monetary benefit to the deceased veteran and to his family,since the family is spared the expense of purchasing a grave-site.
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In choosing a national cemetery, you may be faced with theinexorable fact that many of the cemeteries are reaching theircapacity. In fact, Arlington National Cemetery is now so closeto capacity that burials in the cemetery must be limited tohigh-ranking military personages.
If the next of kin are to attend the interment ceremonies, anational cemetery close to home should be selected. Moreover,if the widow or other relatives intend to visit the grave, theproximity of the national cemetery should be considered.These are matters which a family should talk over beforeselecting the final resting place.
In addition to national cemeteries, the Veterans Administration maintains cemeteries, and some veterans who are ineligible for interment in a national cemetery may nevertheless beburied in a V.A. facility. Any veteran eligible to burial in anational cemetery will be eligible for burial in a V.A. cemetery.
Wartime Veterans: The statutory allowance of $250 will be payable for a veteran of any war discharged or released fromactive service under conditions other than dishonorable. "War" includes the Korean and, of course, the Vietnam conflicts.
