Veteran Services
Many of us take our freedoms for granted, but our staff at
Myrhum-Patten Funeral & Cremation Service
proudly acknowledges the sacrifices made by those who have served our country through their patriotism, love of country and willingness to protect others.
Our staff is committed to providing quality service and professional assistance to help families complete the necessary forms to obtain benefits that are provided through the United States Department of Veterans Affairs for deceased veterans.
What are VA burial benefits and memorial items?
The VA burial benefits are designed to assist service members, veterans, and their families plan and pay for a burial or memorial service in a VA national cemetery. Memorial items are provided through the Veterans Affairs to honor the service of those who have served the country.
Who qualifies for burial benefits and burial in a national cemetery?
Veterans, service members, spouses, and dependents may be eligible for burial in a VA national cemetery, as well as other benefits, if they meet one of the requirements listed below:
- A veteran who didn’t receive a dishonorable discharge
- A service member who died while on active duty, active duty for training, or inactive duty for training
- The spouse or minor child of a veteran, even if the veteran died first
- In some cases, the unmarried adult dependent child of a veteran
What are military funeral honors and a committal service?
Military funeral honors include the playing of “Taps,” a rifle detail, a color guard and uniformed service members who properly fold and present the United States flag to the grieving family. These flags are typically given to the deceased’s next of kin or close friend. In order for the survivors to qualify to receive the burial flag, the veteran or reservist must be described by at least one of the following:
- Served in wartime
- Died while serving on active duty after May 27, 1941
- Served after January 31, 1955
- Served in peacetime and left military service before June 27, 1950, after serving at least one enlistment or because of a disability that was caused - or made worse - by their active military service
- Served in the Selected Reserves, or served in the military forces of the Philippines while in service of the United States and died on or after April 25, 1951.
What are burial benefits and how do I apply?
The veterans death benefits help cover the burial, funeral and transportation costs associated with the deceased’s services and disposition. For those being buried in a national cemetery, survivors can receive assistance with the burial and funeral costs, the plot or internment, and the transporting of the veteran’s remains for burial.
You must file a claim for a non-service-connected burial allowance within two years after the veteran’s burial or cremation. There is no time limit to file for a service-connected burial, plot or interment allowance.
You can apply online at https://www.va.gov/burials-and-memorials/application/530/introduction or by mail after completing the VA Form 21P-530.
A veteran who didn’t receive a dishonorable discharge or a service member who died while on active duty may be eligible for a headstone or marker if they meet certain requirements. To find out if your deceased loved one qualifies, visit https://www.va.gov/burials-memorials/memorial-items/headstones-markers-medallions/
The Department of Veteran Affairs also provides a headstone for unmarked graves of an eligible deceased veteran at no charge. To request a headstone, grave marker, or niche marker, fill out the VA Form 10-1330 and send to:
Department of Veteran Affairs
5109 Russell Road
Quantico, VA 22134-3909
For more information regarding VA burial benefits and memorial items, visit https://www.va.gov/burials-memorials/ or contact the VA office at 1-800-827-1000.
Veterans Headstones
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides, upon request and at no cost to the applicant, a government headstone or marker for the unmarked grave of any eligible deceased veteran in any cemetery worldwide, regardless of the veteran's date of death. For veterans who died on or after November 1, 1990, the VA can also supply a headstone or marker for graves that already have a private headstone or marker. In these cases, applicants can choose between a traditional headstone, marker, or medallion.
The available options include flat markers in granite, marble, or bronze, and upright headstones in granite or marble. The chosen style must align with the existing monuments at the burial site. Niche markers are also available for marking columbaria used for the inurnment of cremated remains.
If the burial or memorialization occurs in a national cemetery, state veterans' cemetery, or military post/base cemetery, cemetery officials will order the headstone or marker based on the inscription details provided by the next of kin or authorized representative.
Spouses and dependents are not eligible for a government-furnished headstone or marker unless they are interred in a national cemetery, state veterans' cemetery, or military post/base cemetery.
Note: While there is no cost for the headstone or marker itself, placing it in a private cemetery is the responsibility of the applicant, and any setting fees must be covered privately.
Veterans Burial 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. VA will furnish a burial flag for memorialization for:
- A veteran who served during wartime
- A veteran who died on active duty after May 27, 1941
- A veteran who served after January 31, 1955
- A peacetime veteran who was discharged or released before June 27, 1950
- Certain persons who served in the organized military forces of the Commonwealth of the Philippines while in service of the U.S. Armed Forces and who died on or after April 25, 1951
- Certain former members of the Selected Reserves
Who Is Eligible to Receive the Burial Flag?
Typically, the flag used during the funeral service is presented to the next of kin as a keepsake. If there is no next of kin, the VA will provide the flag to a friend who requests it. For VA national cemeteries that feature an Avenue of Flags, families of veterans buried there may donate their loved one’s burial flags to be displayed on patriotic holidays.
How Can You Apply?
You may apply for the flag by completing VA Form 27-2008, Application for United States Flag for Burial Purposes. You may get a flag at any VA regional office or U.S. Post Office. Generally, the funeral director will help you obtain the flag.
Can a Burial Flag Be Replaced?
The law permits us to provide only one flag for a veteran's funeral, and we are unable to replace it if it is lost, damaged, or stolen. However, veterans' organizations or community groups may be able to assist you in obtaining a replacement flag.
How Should the Burial Flag Be Displayed?
The proper way to display the flag depends upon whether the casket is open or closed. VA Form 27-2008 provides the correct method for displaying and folding the flag. The burial flag is not suitable for outside display because of its size and fabric. It is made of cotton and can easily be damaged by weather.
