Important Tips for Planning a Veteran’s Funeral

Veterans put their lives on the line to protect their country, sometimes making the ultimate sacrifice. When a veteran passes away, their funeral should reflect the utmost in respect and dignity, and be emblematic of their life dedicated to service.

There are a few ways to best plan a military funeral in Lake City, FL. Be sure to take advantage of all veteran burial benefits available to you to ensure you best honor your veteran loved one’s life.

How to plan a military funeral

Unfortunately, nobody can prepare for the grief of losing a loved one. However, there are grief support services available to family members and other covered members close to the deceased after they pass away.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) department offers bereavement counseling. This service is supplemented by offerings from various nonprofits like the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), which offers counseling to you regardless of your connection to the deceased veteran. Look for local veteran support entities that may also offer additional services in your area.

The VA also provides extensive information both on their website and at their physical locations regarding burial benefits and other support services available to you and your family. Visit or speak with a VA representative to understand your benefits and how best to care for your loved one.

Finally, check with your local funeral home. Often, they provide pre-planning and obituary services that are traditionally unavailable through the VA. If you decide to move forward with cremation, funeral homes can connect you with resources to purchase the appropriate urn as well.

Veteran burial benefits

Veterans’ burial benefits are rightly extensive considering the honor and respect they deserve. They include a grave plot or inurnment in a nationally-recognized or state veterans’ site. Plus, veterans receive a headstone or marker along with perpetual maintenance at no cost to the family. Certain benefits even extend to cases where veterans who have passed away are laid to rest in a private cemetery, although placement location is not guaranteed.

Certain costs of transport are also included in most cases, and there is a monetary benefit provided to veterans who pass away at a VA hospital. Funeral directors at your local Lake City, FL funeral home can also coordinate a military honors ceremony in conjunction with the VA. This honor includes a formal presentation of the United States flag and a performance of “Taps,” either live or pre-recorded.

To be eligible for most benefits, veterans must be either active duty or military retirees. Usually, they must be separated from the military service through ways other than dishonorable discharge.

Leverage your relationship both with the VA and your funeral home to gain access to the appropriate benefits and give your loved one the burial they deserve. For more information on veteran burial benefits in Lake City, FL, contact ICS Cremation & Funeral Home. Our professionals will treat you with sensitivity and respect in order to best take care of the preparations involved with laying your loved one to rest.

Categorised in: Veteran Funerals

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