Burial Urns

Definition

A burial urn is a container designed to hold the cremated remains (ashes) of a deceased individual. In the context of VA benefits, burial urns can be provided or subsidized by the Department of Veterans Affairs for eligible veterans’ cremains. The VA offers various urn types to honor a veteran’s service and accommodate their final resting place, whether in a national cemetery, columbarium, or a family’s possession.

Key Takeaways

1. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides burial urns for eligible veterans, which are used to hold the cremated remains of the veteran in a dignified and respectful manner.
2. These urns are typically made of durable materials such as wood, metal, or marble and feature an engraving with the veteran’s name, dates of service, and any military honors or awards.
3. To apply for a burial urn, family members or a designated representative should contact the VA’s National Cemetery Scheduling Office to provide the necessary information and verify the veteran’s eligibility for this benefit.

Importance

The term “Burial Urns” is important in the context of VA benefits as it directly relates to the support and assistance provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs to the families of deceased veterans.

It ensures that eligible veterans receive proper and dignified interment services, which include the provision of burial urns for the inurnment of cremated remains.

By acknowledging the significance of burial urns, the VA is not only recognizing the service and sacrifices made by the veterans but also demonstrating care and respect towards their families.

This, in turn, reinforces a sense of gratitude, honor, and dignity surrounding the burial arrangements and memorialization of the veteran, supporting the families in times of grief and perpetuating the legacy of those who served.

Explanation

The Burial Urns, in the context of VA benefits, refer to the specific containers provided to hold the cremated remains of veterans who have served in the United States Armed Forces. The purpose of these urns is to honor and memorialize the veterans and their service to the nation.

In this regard, the VA (Department of Veterans Affairs) offers a comprehensive burial program that includes benefits such as burial flags, headstones or markers, and burial urns. These burial urns play a crucial role in the dignified interment of eligible veterans and their families, ensuring a sense of remembrance and respect for their dedication to the United States.

In order to fulfill its purpose, burial urns provided through VA benefits are designed according to certain specifications and standards to ensure they meet requirements for placement in national or state veterans cemeteries, columbarium niches, or private cemeteries. These urns come in a variety of materials, styles, and designs, reflecting the personal preferences of the veteran and their family.

Some urns are designed to hold a burial flag, allowing for an additional tribute to the veteran’s service. Overall, burial urns provide a meaningful way to honor those who have devoted their lives to protecting our nation, and ensure that their final resting place is a testament to their bravery and patriotism.

Examples of Burial Urns

The VA (U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs) provides various benefits to eligible veterans, including burial and memorial items. One such benefit is the provision of burial urns for veterans who have chosen cremation. Here are three real-world examples of VA benefits related to burial urns:

Arlington National Cemetery: Located in Arlington, Virginia, this cemetery is one of the most well-known burial sites for U.S. military veterans and their family members. Veterans interred here can avail of a burial urn provided by the VA. The National Cemetery Administration of the Department of Veterans Affairs takes care of the procurement and provision of burial urns to eligible veterans.

National Cemeteries: The VA manages 155 national cemeteries across the United States, providing interment spaces for veterans and their family members. Urns for cremation are offered for veterans interred in these cemeteries. The VA provides marble or granite urns, so families can decide on which type they prefer and ensure a respectful final resting place for their veteran family member.

Private Cemeteries: The VA also offers burial urns to eligible veterans whose families choose to bury them in private cemeteries. In these cases, the family of the veteran needs to make a request for a government-furnished urn ahead of time. They also need to provide proof of the veteran’s eligibility, such as their military discharge documents (i.e., a DD-214).

FAQ: VA Benefits for Burial Urns

What burial urn benefits does the VA provide for eligible veterans?

The VA provides eligible veterans with burial urn benefits such as a free urn for cremated remains, a grave marker, and a burial flag. These benefits are available to veterans who were honorably discharged from the military and meet certain service requirements.

How can I apply for the burial urn benefits provided by the VA?

To apply for burial urn benefits, you will need to submit a VA Form 40-10007, Application for Pre-Need Determination of Eligibility for Burial in a VA National Cemetery. This form can be submitted online, by mail, or in person at a VA regional office. Additionally, you may need to provide proof of service, such as a DD-214 or other military discharge documents.

What types of urns are provided by the VA for veterans’ cremated remains?

The VA provides a variety of urn options, including wood, marble, and metal urns, to accommodate the personal preferences of the deceased veteran and their family. These urns are specially designed to protect and display the cremated remains with dignity and honor.

Are there any specific requirements for using a VA-provided burial urn?

When using a VA-provided burial urn, the cremated remains must be placed in a durable plastic bag before being placed in the urn. This ensures that the remains are kept secure and protected. The urn should be displayed or stored properly following VA guidelines to ensure the integrity and dignity of the veteran’s remains.

Can the VA cover the cost of a burial urn if I’ve already purchased one?

The VA does not typically cover the cost of a burial urn that has been privately purchased. However, in some cases, the family may be eligible for reimbursement of some of the costs associated with the purchase of the urn, depending on the circumstances. It is best to contact your local VA office for more information on potential reimbursements.

Related VA Benefit Terms

• Funeral Honors
• Cremation Services
• Memorial Headstones
• Niche Covers
• Presidential Memorial Certificates

Sources for More Information

• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
• National Cemetery Administration
• National Archives
• Veterans of Foreign Wars