Veteran Information
General Information for Veteran Benefits
[THE BRIEF INFORMATION BELOW WAS GLEANED FROM THE VA WESITE}
Eligibility
To be eligible you must be a veteran discharged or separated from active duty under conditions other than dishonorable, and have completed the required period of service. U.S. Armed Forces members who die on active duty are also eligible, as are spouses and dependent children of eligible living and deceased veterans, and of current and deceased armed forces members. For complete information about who is eligible (and not eligible) for VA Burial benefits, please see the VA webpage on eligibility HERE.
Burial in a National Cemetery
Burial benefits available include a gravesite in any of our 164 national cemeteries with available space, opening and closing of the grave, perpetual care, a Government headstone or marker, a burial flag, and a Presidential Memorial Certificate, at no cost to the family. Some Veterans may also be eligible for Burial Allowances. Cremated remains are buried or inurned in national cemeteries in the same manner and with the same honors as casketed remains.
Burial benefits available for spouses and dependents buried in a national cemetery include burial with the Veteran, perpetual care, and the spouse or dependents name and date of birth and death will be inscribed on the Veteran's headstone, at no cost to the family. Eligible spouses and dependents may be buried, even if they predecease the Veteran.
Burial in a Private Cemetery
Burial benefits available for Veterans buried in a private cemetery may include a Government headstone, marker or medallion, a burial flag, and a Presidential Memorial Certificate, at no cost to the family. Some Veterans may also be eligible for Burial Allowances. There are not any VA benefits available to spouses and dependents buried in a private cemetery.
Military Funeral Honors
Please see the Missouri Funeral Honors Program for complete details and information on this excellent program for Missouri veterans. MISSOURI FUNERAL HONORS.
Daily Burial Schedule
You can see the scheduled burials for each day HERE. Scroll down to MISSOURI, then select "Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery."
What to Expect Upon Arrival at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery
When you arrive at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, a cemetery representative will greet you and guide your funeral procession to the designated committal shelter for the service. They will also provide you with the burial documents for your loved one.
The Committal Service
While viewing facilities are not available and lengthy ceremonies cannot be held, a meaningful committal service can take place at the shelter or in the cemetery chapel. For safety, these services are held in shelters away from the gravesite. Most ceremonies, including military honors, last about 20 minutes. The burial follows the committal service.
Flowers and Memorials
A limited number of floral arrangements may accompany the casket or urn from the shelter and will be placed on the grave after burial. You can review the cemetery’s floral and grounds policies on the Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery website.
Headstones and Markers
All veterans buried in a national cemetery are eligible for a headstone or marker. Typically, it takes less than 60 days after burial for the headstone or marker to be installed. The cemetery orders it once the next of kin approves the inscription.
Upright headstones are standard, but some areas also offer flat markers or above-ground columbarium niches for cremated remains.
Be sure to discuss your options with the cemetery representative before the burial.
Spouses and Family Members
The same procedures apply if the veteran’s eligible spouse or dependent predeceases them. Usually, one gravesite is provided for the family with a single headstone or marker. If both spouses are veterans, two gravesites and headstones can be arranged side by side if requested.
Gravesite Assignments
Gravesites are assigned by the cemetery and cannot be chosen in advance. Assignments are made without regard to rank, branch of service, religion, or background. Couples are generally buried together unless both were veterans, in which case separate plots can be arranged. Cremated remains are interred in designated ground sections or above-ground columbarium niches.
