Cremation and Burial Programs Available for Veterans
If a loved one has served in the armed forces and is a veteran, he or she should look into the many options available to veterans for cremation and burial. Most funeral homes can accommodate these options, which can end up saving the family a lot of stress and even money. There are even special plots of land that can be purchased which are reserved especially for veterans. Below are some of the best options when it comes to burials or cremation services for veterans.
Military Funeral Honors
If the person served and was discharged honorably, then they are entitled to military funeral honors. This means that the burial will not cost anything because the country pays for it. It is important to know that although every military person signs up for this kind of funeral, the government does not keep track of the deaths of each military member. That is why it is vital to notify the government after the death of a loved one who wanted to receive military funeral honors. They will ask for documentation to prove the person served and for the DD Form 214, which is the verification of military service.
Burial Plots
There are numerous plots in cemeteries which are reserved for members of the military. There are even entire cemeteries that cater to people who served. If a loved one desired to be buried in a military cemetery, the best thing to do is to contact the government and the VA to ensure that this wish is taken care of. Headstones and other markers are also provided by the government, though the family can decide to use one they choose themselves instead. Many times, the government will offer reimbursement for that option.
Cremation Services
Veterans who prefer to be cremated can also do so at the expense of the country. Every cremation provider is different in what they will offer for veterans, but the government will reimburse all costs as long as the family can prove the person served honorably. They also have the option of their ashes being buried in cemeteries for veterans, if they so choose. Albany, NY cremation services are known to go out of their way to ensure that the ashes find a place in a columbarium if that is the family’s wish. There are also burials at sea that are possible for veterans, so speak to the VA and to the funeral home of your choice.
Someone who served the country honorably deserves to be treated with respect right up to the end. There is no need to worry about burial or cremation services for a loved one who has served, as long as the paperwork of their service is in order. Take the time to find these papers and to ensure that they are up to date so your loved one can receive the burial or cremation they deserve. Contact McVeigh Funeral Home, Inc., at 208 N Allen St, Albany, NY 12206, by calling (518) 489-0188 for help.
