Burying a Veteran Should Always be a Special Tribute

It is one of the great honors afforded those who served in the military to be entered in a veteran’s cemetery, side-by-side with others who also served so bravely.

The purpose of this article (and my “Veteran Services” Death Perception podcast) is to help Massachusetts veterans – and their spouses, family, and friends – understand what veteran burial service arrangements and benefits are available and how they can take full advantage of these offerings.

Special Choice

The special choice for veteran’s burials is a service at a national or state veteran’s cemetery, complete with an honor guard, an American flag-draped casket, and the option of having clergy there as well. From the time of arrival to the completion of the service, everything is done in a spectacular fashion. The cemetery staff treats every veteran funeral as if it is the only service that day. Whether there are hundreds of people, 25 people, two or three people, or none, there is no difference. Every veteran is cared for in the very same way. Every farewell veteran service is totally unique and impressive.

Research and Compare Massachusetts Veteran Funeral Costs

I encourage families of veterans who have served our country with honor to consider having a burial at Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne, Massachusetts. However, even if your veteran qualifies for burial in a Massachusetts National Cemetery, it is still important to research and compare funeral costs, because you likely will find significant cost differences. I suggest you call several funeral service providers and ask for pricing for the same basic service. Taking the time to make these calls can result in your family paying less. At the end, please take a moment to compare your research with our offering. Here is the complete veteran funeral cost for a Casper Direct Veteran Burial at the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne, MA.

“He was a Good Man.”

“I had a close veteran friend who was about to be buried in the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne. At the burial site, the cemetery representative had a form for an optional inscription that could be added to his grave marker. We did not know what to write on the marker. As we discussed what to add to the marker, we kept noting that one friend kept saying what a good man he was. We then noticed that another friend, who could not attend the ceremony, had sent a bouquet of flowers and a note that said, “He was a good man.” That was it! That is what we added to his veteran’s marker, “He was a Good Man.” I still think of him often. I also think about the veteran’s administration allowing a special inscription to be added to every veteran’s monument. It just makes everything so special.”

Understand Your Rights Under Massachusetts Law for Veteran Burial Benefits

Loyal, dedicated veterans (and their spouses) who lack adequate funds are eligible for up to $4,000 from Massachusetts Veterans’ Services, provided the funeral does not cost more than $5,000 total. Eligibility for this possible $4,000 benefit is available to all Massachusetts veterans who have limited resources. This benefit is also available to veterans and spouses who choose a cremation service.

VA Burial Benefits Allowance

The VA burial benefits allowance isn’t much – only $300 – but it is available to all eligible veterans. However, everything in America comes with conditions. These benefits are paid only if the deceased veteran meets one of three conditions:

  1. The veteran must die in a VA facility
  2. The veteran must be receiving a pension from the military
  3. The veteran must be receiving disability from the military

If the deceased veteran does not meet one of these three conditions, no VA federal burial allowance can be awarded. However, it should be noted that not meeting any of these conditions does not prevent a veteran from being buried in a national cemetery or in one of the two Massachusetts state veterans’ cemeteries, located in Winchendon and Agawam.

I suggest you take a moment to research what federal benefits might be available to you. For example, if your veteran dies in a VA facility as one of the three conditions, the VA will pay for the transportation charges from the place of death to the cemetery or crematory. Beyond that, they will only pay more if the veteran’s death on the death certificate is service connected. Please know that the veteran’s service-connected disability and cause of death must match.

An Honorable Discharge is Mandatory

It goes without saying – but I will say it anyway to be certain we are thinking alike – the deceased veteran must have received an honorable discharge from the military. If there is any question regarding the conditions of the military discharge or possibly length of service on active duty, that would require additional research. Please note that there have been several changes in recent years and certain military discharges no longer apply. Again, additional research might be necessary. Individuals not eligible for burial in a national or state veteran cemetery include divorced spouses, adult children, parents, siblings, and others.

Additional Veteran Burial Questions Families We’ve Assisted Have Asked

At this point, it would be appropriate to answer several pertinent veteran funeral questions we have been asked by veterans and families:

  • You may not reserve space in a national cemetery ahead of time. Arrangements can be made only at the time of death.
  • Burials in the national cemetery are not conducted on weekends or holidays
  • National cemeteries provide space for both body burial and cremated remains (in either a grave or a niche in a wall of honor).
  • A funeral honor guard may be available from nearby military installations or veteran’s groups.
  • The burial service offering includes a grave marker and a flag.
  • There is no charge for an inscription of a grave or niche marker.
  • There is no charge for opening and closing of the grave.
  • There is no fee for a cement liner or setting the marker in a national or state veterans cemetery.