By Donna Reuss
Alexandria, VA – To begin this month’s column, I would like to express my gratitude to the many members of the community who joined Veterans of Foreign Wars (WVF) Post 609, The American Legion Post 24, Challenger Squadron 1 Civil Air Cadets, local boy and cub scouts, and other veterans service organizations last month in the Memorial Day Flags-in-the-Ground placement at the Alexandria National Cemetery. This simple gesture to honor those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for their country is always a moving experience.
A participant asked about the distinction between national and other cemeteries, such as those with a military burial section. Good question.
A national cemetery is a military cemetery dedicated for burial of armed forces veterans and their eligible family members. National cemeteries are operated by the federal government. States also may operate military cemeteries. Even if these cemeteries were established or are supported with federal funding, the home state is responsible for their management.
Congress authorized the first national cemeteries in 1862 to bury Union soldiers who died during the Civil War. Fourteen national cemeteries and numerous soldiers’ lots were established that year near key troop concentration locations, such as battlefields, hospitals, and campsites. The Alexandria National Cemetery on Wilkes Street is one of the original national cemeteries. Today, there are 155 national cemeteries across 42 States.
Three federal agencies currently manage the national cemeteries, soldiers’ and government lots, and Confederate cemeteries: the National Cemetery Administration (NCA) within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA); the Department of the Army under the Department of Defense (DoD); and the National Park Service, Department of the Interior.
The Alexandria National Cemetery is managed by the VA, while Arlington National Cemetery, established in 1894 and the largest in the US National Cemetery System, is under DoD jurisdiction.
The VA Veterans Cemetery Grants Program, established in 1978, assists States, territories, and tribal governments in providing gravesites for veterans in areas where the NCA cannot fully meet the needs. Virginia has both national and VA grant-funded cemeteries.
Public or private cemeteries may include a military burial section. While not directly managing their operations, the VA and DoD often work with these cemeteries to ensure proper recognition and honoring of the interred military and family members.
A primary difference between national and State cemeteries is eligibility conditions. All national cemeteries have the same criteria, while State cemeteries may have their own unique requirements.
Eligibility for burial in a national cemetery generally includes veterans who have met active-duty service requirements in the US Armed Forces, including certain Reservists and National Guard members, and some World War II Merchant Mariners, Philippine Armed Forces veterans, and Public Health Service Officers; were discharged under conditions other than dishonorable; and their spouses and minor or dependent children.
Burial benefits for veterans may include a grave site in any national cemetery with available space, grave opening and closing, and perpetual care, a government-provided headstone, marker, or medallion, a burial flag, and a Presidential Memorial Certificate at no cost to the family, even if buried in a private cemetery. Some veterans may also be eligible for burial allowances to help pay for burial and funeral costs.
Families are encouraged to prepare in advance by discussing cemetery options, collecting the veteran’s military information (including discharge papers), and by contacting the cemetery where burial is desired. The National Cemetery Scheduling Office can assist with planning and scheduling at a national cemetery if desired. Information is available at www.cem.va.gov, or call (800) 535-1417. Or contact a Legion or VFW Veteran Service Officer with questions.
If you are a veteran, veteran’s family member, or know a veteran who needs help, visit the Virginia Department of Veterans Services at www.dvs.virginia.gov/dvs, or dss.virginia.gov/community/211.cgi. Contact the American Legion Post 24 Veteran Service Officer at [email protected], or check out the Resources List on the Post 24 website at valegionpost24.com. For crisis intervention and suicide prevention services, dial 988 and Press 1, or text 838255, for the Veterans Crisis Line.
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