Veterans

• Folding and presentation of the flag
• The playing of “Taps” (this may be an audio recording)

• Folding and presentation of the flag
• The playing of “Taps” (this may be an audio recording)
• A three-volley rifle salute
• Ceremonial pallbearers
• Military Chaplain

• Burial Flag - One United States flag is provided, at no cost, to drape the casket or accompany the urn of a deceased Veteran who served honorably in the U. S. Armed Forces.
• Reimbursement of Burial Expenses - For information on eligibility and the different levels of potential reimbursement, please review the Guide to VA Burial Allowances.
• Headstones / Medallions - The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) furnishes upon request, at no charge to the applicant, a Government headstone or marker for the unmarked grave of any deceased eligible Veteran in any cemetery around the world, regardless of their date of death.
  • For eligible veterans that died on or after Nov. 1, 1990 and whose grave is marked with a privately purchased headstone, VA may also furnish a headstone or marker to supplement the graves or a Medallion to be affixed to a privately purchased headstone.
  • Flat markers in granite, marble, and bronze and upright headstones in granite and marble are available. Bronze niche markers are also available to mark columbaria used for inurnment of cremated remains.
• Presidential Memorial Certificates - This is a certificate expressing the nation's recognition of the veteran's service. The veteran's name is inscribed and the certificate bears the signature of the president.
• Burial in a VA National Cemetery - Includes the gravesite, opening and closing of the grave, a burial vault, and perpetual care.

• Report of Separation (DD Form 214), for retirees the form must state “Retired” or show the appropriate length of service
• Any discharge document showing honorable service

• Fill out Standard Form 180 (http://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records/standard-form-180.html#sf) and send it to the appropriate location listed on the form.
  • If there is a deadline associated with your request, please provide this information in the "Purpose" section of the SF-180 and fax it to the National Archives Customer Service Team at (314) 801-0764.  Please contact their customer service staff at (314) 801-0800 if you have questions. Due to the large number of calls they receive, hold times are often long.
• You can also ask your funeral director to assist in filling out and submitting the Standard Form 180.

Am I entitled to a free veteran's casket?
No. As a standard policy, neither the VA nor the various branches of service provide a free casket for a deceased veteran, unless death occurs while on active duty.