Most families that do cremation on-line or seek assistance for cremation from a funeral home are not aware of veteran benefits offered after cremation. The often-used term "Final Disposition" is not exactly the case after cremation of a veteran.
The Veterans Administration knowing that cremation is becoming more prevalent allows for the interment of cremated veterans, or the placement of cremated veterans, to be placed in a niche in a columbarium provided by the national cemetery. Because of the cremated veteran's service to their country the interment of cremated veterans or the placement of cremated veterans in a niche, this service is free of charge to the cremated veterans family. The family of the cremated veteran will also receive free of charge, an honor guard, the playing of taps, and the official presentation of the American Flag the cremated veteran served to defend.
Veterans that have served in the military and received honorable discharges are eligible. Families often ask me, even though my loved one is cremated, can they be placed in a national cemetery? The answer is a simple yes. You can make arrangements through your funeral director even on-line. Always keep in mind that cremation, cremation urn selection, go hand in hand with proper handling of cremated veterans, to insure a final tribute to their memory. We the time comes to hold a service for a loved one who is a veteran, and has served in our armed forces. It is our duty to make sure that the are remembered for their sacrifice for this country.