Gravesites in Department of Veterans Affairs national cemeteries cannot bereserved in advance. However, families are encouraged to prepare in advanceby discussing cemetery options, by collecting the veteran's militaryinformation, and by calling the cemetery where burial is desired prior to the time of need.

The V A will provide a gravesite, grave liner, headstone or marker, aPresidential Memorial Certificate, and a U.S. Flag.

They will also op-en and close the grave and provide perpetual care of the gravesite at no cost to theveterans family. Services provided funeral directors and other related costs, usually including transporting of remains must be paid for by the veterans family.

V A 's Veterans Benefits pays a burial and plot allowance to those Veterans eligible. At the time of need, a funeral director or family member should contact the National Cemetery where burial is desired.

The same procedures are followed if the Veteran's eligible spouse ordependent predeceases the veteran. In most cases, one gravesite is provided for the burial of all eligible family members and a single headstone or marker is provided.

If both spouses are veterans, two gravesites and two headstones or markers will be provided if requested. Upright headstones are standard in most national cemeteries, but some have both upright headstones and flat marker sections.

Be sure to discuss this with the funeral director prior to burial.Military honors are not provided by the V A. These honors must be arranged for in advance by the family or their representative. Veterans organizations will normally provide this.

Cemetery staff may play a recorded version of Taps at the committal service if desired by the family and a US Flag will be presented to the next of kin or other representative.

Funeral services are not held at national cemeteries, but a final committal service may be held at the cemetery. Viewing facilities are not available.