U.S. Flag
Next of kin of eligible veterans will be presented with a United States flag at no cost to drape the casket or accompany the urn of deceased veterans. It is furnished to honor the memory of a veteran’s military service to his or her country.
Family members may present the eligible veteran’s DD 214 or verification of military service to the funeral home representative during the time of need to ensure that the memorial service will include a U.S. Flag.
Military Honors
The Department of Defense is responsible for providing military funeral honors. “Honoring Those Who Served” is the title of the DOD program for providing dignified military funeral honors to veterans who have defended our nation.
Upon request of the family, every eligible veteran will receive a military funeral honors ceremony, to include folding and presenting the United States burial flag and the playing of taps. Military funeral honors detail consists of two or more uniformed military persons, with at least one being a member of the veteran’s parent service of the armed forces. Funeral home directors can request military funeral honors on behalf of the veteran’s family. Veteran organizations may assist in providing military funeral honors. When military funeral honors at a national cemetery are desired, they are arranged prior to the committal service by the funeral home.
Monetary BenefitsA federal burial allowance up to $2,000 and a county burial allowance of $300 may be paid to a claimant on behalf of the veteran. A claimant is either the individual who paid the veteran’s burial expenses or the funeral home if this bill is unpaid at the time of application.
Generally speaking, a federal burial benefit is applicable if the veteran was in receipt of a monthly monetary benefit from the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs or died in a VA facility or contracted facility.
Generally speaking, a county burial benefit of $300 is available if the veteran served during a war era and the estate is less than $40,000 if married or less than the cost of the funeral bill if unmarried at the time of passing. Contact a veteran’s benefits counselor for further clarification.
Burial in a National Cemetery
Eligibility for burial in a National Cemetery extends generally to honorably discharged veterans, their spouses and their dependent children. Michigan’s two National Cemeteries are Great Lakes National Cemetery located in Holly, MI and Ft. Custer National Cemetery located in Augusta, MI.
Burial arrangements are made at the time of need. To schedule a burial: Fax all discharge documentation to the National Cemetery Scheduling Office at 1-866-900-6417 and follow-up with a phone call to 1-800-535-1117.
Veteran Markers
The Department of Veteran Affairs furnishes upon request, at no charge to the applicant, a government headstone or marker for the grave of any deceased eligible veteran in any cemetery around the world. For all deaths occurring before September 11, 2001, the VA may provide a headstone or marker only for graves that are not marked with a private headstone.
Flat markers in granite, marble, and bronze and upright headstones in granite and marble are available. The style chosen must be consistent with existing monuments at the place of burial. A bronze niche is also available. Bronze medallions are also available in 5”, 3” and 1 ½” to be affixed to existing privately purchased headstones or markers.
Presidential Memorial Certificate
A Presidential Memorial Certificate (PMC) is an engraved paper certificate, signed by the current President, to honor the memory of the honorably discharged deceased veteran. This program was initiated in March of 1962 by President John F. Kennedy and has been continued by all subsequent Presidents. Eligible recipients include the next of kin and loved ones of the honorably discharged deceased veterans. More than one PMC may be provided.
Veteran’s Life Insurance
A veteran benefits counselor is available to assist you if you are the beneficiary of a deceased veterans VA life insurance policy.