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veteran services

Veteran Memorial Services

At Harold W. Stevenson Funeral Home, we deeply honor the courage and sacrifice of those who have served our country. We recognize that our freedoms are made possible by their patriotism, dedication, and unwavering commitment to protect others.


Our team is proud to support veterans and their families by providing compassionate guidance and expert assistance in securing the benefits available through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. We are here to ensure every veteran is honored with the dignity and respect they deserve.

Military Funeral Honors

The rendering of military funeral honors is a way to show the Nation’s deep gratitude to those who, in times of war and peace, have faithfully defended our country. This ceremonial paying of respect is the final demonstration a grateful nation can provide to a veteran's family.


Flags

A United States flag is provided, at no cost, to drape the casket or accompany the urn. Generally, the flag is given to the next-of-kin, as a keepsake, after its use during the funeral service.


Headstones and Markers

The Department of Veterans Affairs furnishes upon request, at no charge, a headstone or marker. Flat markers and upright headstones are available as well as niche markers for columbaria. Alternatively, a medallion which can be affixed to a privately purchased headstone is available.


Presidential Memorial Certificates

Families can also receive the Presidential Memorial Certificate (PMC), signed by the current President, to honor the memory of honorably-discharged deceased veterans.


Cemeteries

A military funeral can take place at a private cemetery, a state veterans cemetery, or a cemetery that is part of the Veterans Affairs National Cemetery Administration. For a list of cemeteries, click here.


Veterans from all military branches qualify for a military funeral, regardless of rank, whether or not they died in combat. They could have been active duty, Reserves, National Guard, retired, or a veteran of military service.


For soldiers who die while on active duty, families may request both a burial and an interment allowance to assist with the cost of the funeral arrangements. For soldiers who die in a non-service related death, partial reimbursements may apply.


For more information, contact the United States Department of Veteran Affairs or go to http://www.cem.va.gov.

Who qualifies for burial benefits and burial in a national cemetery?

Veterans, service members, spouses, and dependents may be eligible for burial in a VA national cemetery, as well as other benefits, if they meet one of the requirements listed below:


  • A veteran who didn’t receive a dishonorable discharge
  • A service member who died while on active duty, active duty for training, or inactive duty for training
  • The spouse or minor child of a veteran, even if the veteran died first
  • In some cases, the unmarried adult dependent child of a veteran

What are military funeral honors and a committal service?

Military funeral honors include the playing of “Taps,” a rifle detail, a color guard and uniformed service members who properly fold and present the United States flag to the grieving family. These flags are typically given to the deceased’s next of kin or close friend. In order for the survivors to qualify to receive the burial flag, the veteran or reservist must be described by at least one of the following:


  • Served in wartime
  • Died while serving on active duty after May 27, 1941
  • Served after January 31, 1955
  • Served in peacetime and left military service before June 27, 1950, after serving at least one enlistment or because of a disability that was caused - or made worse - by their active military service
  • Served in the Selected Reserves, or served in the military forces of the Philippines while in service of the United States and died on or after April 25, 1951

What are burial benefits and how do I apply?

The veterans death benefits help cover the burial, funeral and transportation costs associated with the deceased’s services and disposition. For those being buried in a national cemetery, survivors can receive assistance with the burial and funeral costs, the plot or internment, and the transporting of the veteran’s remains for burial.

You must file a claim for a non-service-connected burial allowance within two years after the veteran’s burial or cremation. There is no time limit to file for a service-connected burial, plot or interment allowance.
You can apply online at https://www.va.gov/burials-and-memorials/application/530/introduction or by mail after completing the VA Form 21P-530.
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Eligible Veterans and service members may qualify for memorial items provided by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, including headstones, markers, burial flags, and certificates. Learn more about available items and eligibility at https://www.va.gov/burials-memorials/memorial-items/.
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The Department of Veterans Affairs also provides a headstone for unmarked graves of an eligible deceased veteran at no charge. To request a headstone, grave marker, or niche marker, fill out the VA Form 10-1330 and send to:
Department of Veteran Affairs
5109 Russell Road
Quantico, VA 22134-3909 


For more information regarding VA burial benefits and memorial items, visit:

https://www.va.gov/burials-memorials/ or contact the VA office at 1-800-827-1000.