top of page

Veterans

Delehanty Funeral Home provides the utmost service and respect to Veterans and their families who use our facility and services. Veterans honorably discharged from military service are entitled to receive benefits and military honors at their funeral. Here is a general overview of benefits related to funeral services for Veterans:

​

Flags

A 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. It is furnished to honor the memory of a Veteran’s military service to his or her country. The funeral home will coordinate this as part of the services we provide. 

​

Military Funeral Honors

The Department of Defense (DOD) is responsible for providing military funeral honors. Upon the family's request, Public Law 106-65 requires that every eligible Veteran receive a military funeral honors ceremony, to include folding and presenting the United States burial flag and the playing of Taps. The funeral home will coordinate Military Honors as part of our services. 

​

Burial Benefits in a National Cemetery

Burial benefits available include a gravesite in any of the 134 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. The Veterans family should make funeral or cremation arrangements with a funeral provider or cremation office. Any item or service obtained from a funeral home or cremation office will be at the family's expense.

​

Burial Benefits 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.

​

FAQ's

​

Does the VA pay for cremation or burial expenses?

The VA does not pay for cremation directly. Any item or service obtained from a funeral home will be at the families' expense. Some Veterans' families may be entitled to a burial allowance, which may cover some of these expenses. View the Burial and Plot Interment Allowance fact sheet for more information. 


What are my burial benefits?

Burial benefits available include a gravesite in any 134 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.


What can I do now to prepare for burial in a national cemetery? 

You should advise your family of your wishes and where your discharge papers are kept. These papers are very important in establishing your eligibility. At the time of need your family would contact a funeral home who will assist them with making burial arrangements at the national cemetery. You may wish to make pre-need arrangements with a funeral home. 


I do not have my military discharge, how can I get a copy? 

You can contact the National Archives to obtain a copy of your discharge papers. 


Is my mother, who is not a Veteran, entitled to a Government marker in a private cemetery?

Spouses and dependents are not entitled to a Government-furnished headstone or marker in a private cemetery.

​

​

"Open" National Cemeteries on Long Island

​

​

More Resources

To learn more about potential benefits, please visit the Veterans Administration website or call (800) 827-1000.

​

​

bottom of page