|
| |
| Honorably discharged veterans of any branch of the United States military, including the US Merchant Marine, are entitled to certain benefits, which may include monies to help defray burial costs, as well as a Military Graveside Service, conducted by by a local VFW Post, American Legion Post, or, with enough advance notice, a Burial Squad comprised of active duty servicepersons from the closest Military Base. A copy of Form DD214, providing service information, needs to be provided so that a photocopy of this information can accompany any application for benefits. |
FLAG
The family of a veteran is entitled to a US flag in honor of the veteran's military service to the United States. It is necessary to decide who is to receive the flag upon completion of services.
The flag may be kept, it may folded in a triangular fashion and placed in the casket at the head end with the veteran, or may be used to drape the foot end of the casket. The draped flag is usually then folded and presented to the family after services are completed.
|
GRAVE MARKER
A grave marker (also called a 'head stone'), is provide by the US Government to assure that no veteran's, grave will be left unmarked. In the future, it may be allowed to have a privately purchased family marker AND a government provided marker on the same grave. As of 1 Jan 1997, this is not permissible.
Markers available include a cast bronze plate (24" x 12°), light granite or marble markers (24' X 12' x 4') or a marble marker that stands upright, about 24' above the ground.
There may be a charge by the cemetery to install a foundation under the marker (to keep it stable over time) . Bronze plates can be mounted onto
granite (purchased separately), if desired, to give additional options while using the provided marker.
|
BURIAL FUNDS
The family of a veteran who is receiving a disability pension from the VA or dies of a service connected disability may be entitled to receive up to $300.00 for use toward funeral expenses and $150.00 for use for cemetery expenses.
In addition, certain counties, including Muskegon County, have established a Board of Soldiers & Sailors Relief, which may provide up to $300.00 for use for funeral expenses, based upon need, with a limit to the size of the veteran's estate and still have the benefit allowable. The widow of a veteran may be entitled to this benefit in some cases.
|
WIDOWS PENSIONS
In some cases, usually in extreme hardship, with minimal income, a widow may be entitled to a widow's pension from the Veteran's Administration. Complete financial information must be submitted to the VA.
|
|
