Most States Have Veterans Cemeteries That Offer Free Burial

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Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Honor Guard members Len Werner, left, and Jared Lacovara stand during a burial service at the West Point Cemetery on Friday, March 22, 2013, in West Point, N.Y.

Many states and tribal governments have established veterans cemeteries that allow veterans and, in many cases, their family members to be buried free of charge. Eligibility is similar to that of Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) national cemeteries, but many require you to be state residents.

State and tribal veterans cemeteries are run solely by the local governments. They have no relation to the VA or any military cemetery. The rules may be more strict or lenient for burial in these cemeteries. Normally, state and tribal cemeteries are not as difficult to be buried in as national or military cemeteries. In many cases, these local cemeteries are located on old military installations or scenic areas.

Eligibility is normally determined by the state or tribal government.

See our State Veterans Benefits page for specific information about your state, including cemetery locations, requirements, and contact information.

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