A little known fact about being buried in a national cemetery is that you cannot reserve space ahead of time. Arrangements can only be made at the time of death. This may be an issue since there is no guarantee that spouses will have plots next to each other.

Burial at sea or the scattering of the cremated remains is available to all veterans and dependents. This service is provided by the Navy or the U.S. Coast Guard. A flag is required. If the flag is supplied by the family, it will be returned. Sea burials are done at the convenience of the military. Because of this, the family may not witness the sea burial. Bodies awaiting sea burial must be treated with embalming fluid that lasts at least 60 days. Lastly, a non-sealing metal casket must be used. The casket must carry 150lbs of extra weight.

With the options that the military offers, it should be a fairly inexpensive and straightforward process to be buried in a military cemetery. That is, as long as the veteran meets the requirements put forth by the military. Hopefully this article serves to educate you about the options that veterans and their families have when it comes to a military burial.