• Mar 18, 2024
  • 9:37 PM

Burial and Memorial


From burial at a National or one of the two Nevada State Veterans Memorial Cemeteries to a Presidential Memorial Certificate, there are many ways our nation honors and remembers its fallen heroes. The federal VA offers free headstones to mark the gravesite of any eligible veteran, or even a cash allowance to help cover the cost of funeral and burial expenses. Explore below for more detailed information about the various benefits that are available to ensure every veteran is laid to rest with the honor and dignity they deserve. NDVS has also compiled this  Survivor Resources page to assist family members of veterans.

Burial

In a State Veterans Cemetery

The Nevada Department of Veterans Services maintains two State Veterans Memorial Cemeteries – one in Northern Nevada, in Fernley. The other is in Southern Nevada, in Boulder City.

The Northern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery (NNVMC)  is located in Fernley, Nevada (Google Map of the NNVMC) which is approximately 35 miles east of downtown Reno. The cemetery is located on 40 acres of land owned and maintained by the State of Nevada. The grounds are peaceful and immaculately maintained. The cemetery serves as a place of rest and reflection where eligible veterans, their spouses and eligible dependents are remembered and honored in perpetuum.

The Southern Nevada State Veterans Cemetery (SNVMC) is located in Boulder City, Nevada (Google Map of the SNVMC) which is approximately 26 miles from Las Vegas. The cemetery is located on 79 acres of land owned and maintained by the State of Nevada. The grounds are serene, peaceful and immaculately maintained. The cemetery serves as a place of rest and reflection where eligible veterans, their spouses and eligible dependents are remembered and honored in perpetuum.

Find more information on the Northern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery.

Find more information on the Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery.

In a National Cemetery (VA)

National Cemetery burial benefits available include a gravesite in any of the 131 national cemeteries with available space, opening and closing of the grave, perpetual care, a Government headstone or marker, a burial flag, and a Presidential Memorial Certificate, at no cost to the family. Some veterans may also be eligible for Burial Allowances. Cremated remains are buried or inurned in national cemeteries in the same manner and with the same honors as casketed remains.

Burial benefits available for spouses and dependents buried in a national cemetery include burial with the veteran, perpetual care, and the spouse or dependents name and date of birth and death will be inscribed on the veteran’s headstone, at no cost to the family. Eligible spouses and dependents may be buried, even if they predecease the veteran.

Find a national cemetery and read the VA's National Cemetery FAQs.

In a Private Cemetery (VA)

Burial benefits available for veterans buried in a private cemetery include a Government headstone or marker, a burial flag, and a Presidential Memorial Certificate, at no cost to the family. Some veterans may also be eligible for Burial Allowances. There are no benefits available to spouses and dependents buried in a private cemetery.

Buy a Brick, Gift a Brick

The Nevada State Veterans Memorial, Las Vegas (NSVM, LV)—A National Tribute—is a monument recognizing the service and sacrifice of Americans, especially Nevada veterans and their families.  The two-acre memorial and park features 18 larger-than-life statues, depicting soldiers, from the Revolutionary War to the Global War on Terror and civilians.  The memorial serves as a reminder to forever honor the proud principles upon which this nation was founded, and the spirit and heroism of those who have, and will, answer the call of duty.

You can order a brick to be displayed within the Nevada State Veterans Memorial in honor or memory of a Nevada Veteran.

Learn more about the Nevada State Veterans Memorial in Las Vegas.

Funeral Honors

The Rendering of Military Funeral Honors is a way to show the nation’s deep gratitude to those who have faithfully defended our country in time of war and peace. The ceremonial paying of respect is the final demonstration that a grateful nation can provide to a veteran’s family.

Learn more about funeral honors.

Nevada Veteran Memorials

Nevada Department of Veterans Services has identified a number of Veteran Memorials within the State of Nevada, and new memorials are being built. We ask you to let us know of any veteran memorials you are aware of that we have not yet covered.

Learn more about Nevada Veterans Memorials.

Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemeteries

The Nevada Department of Veterans Services maintains two State Veterans Memorial Cemeteries – one in Northern Nevada, in Fernley. The other is in Southern Nevada, in Boulder City.

The Northern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery (NNVMC)  is located in Fernley, Nevada (Google Map of the NNVMC) which is approximately 35 miles east of downtown Reno. The cemetery is located on 40 acres of land owned and maintained by the State of Nevada. The grounds are peaceful and immaculately maintained. The cemetery serves as a place of rest and reflection where eligible veterans, their spouses and eligible dependents are remembered and honored in perpetuum.

The Southern Nevada State Veterans Cemetery (SNVMC) is located in Boulder City, Nevada (Google Map of the SNVMC) which is approximately 26 miles from Las Vegas. The cemetery is located on 79 acres of land owned and maintained by the State of Nevada. The grounds are serene, peaceful and immaculately maintained. The cemetery serves as a place of rest and reflection where eligible veterans, their spouses and eligible dependents are remembered and honored in perpetuum.

Find more information on the Northern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery.

Find more information on the Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery.

Survivor Resources

The Nevada Department of Veterans Services has compiled many Survivor Resources to assist families of veterans.

TAPS Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors

The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) offers compassionate care to all those grieving the loss of a loved one who died while serving in our Armed Forces or as a result of his or her service. Since 1994, TAPS has provided comfort and hope 24/7 through a national peer support network and connection to grief resources, all at no cost to surviving families and loved ones.

Learn more about TAPS.

VA - Burial Allowances/Reimbursements

VA burial allowances are partial reimbursements of an eligible veteran’s burial and funeral costs. When the cause of death is not service related, the reimbursements are generally described as two payments: (1) a burial and funeral expense allowance, and (2) a plot or interment allowance.

VA - Burial Flags

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 each other than dishonorable discharged.

  • veteran who served during wartime
  • veteran who died on active duty after May 27, 1941
  • veteran who served after January 31, 1955
  • 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 National Guard and Selected Reserves
  • Served under USA title 10 or…
  • Completed initial obligation (one enlistment contract) or…
  • Were discharged for a disability incurred or aggravated in line of duty or…
  • Died while a member of the Selected Reserve or National Guard or…
  • At the time of death would have been eligible for retirement at age 60

Read more information about burial flags.

VA - Headstones, Markers, and Medallions

Benefit Category: Federal

Access information from the VA about Headstones, Markers and Medallions.

VA - Presidential Memorial Certificates

Presidential Memorial Certificate (PMC) is an engraved paper certificate, signed by the current President, to honor the memory of honorably discharged deceased Veterans.

Eligibility: Eligible recipients include the next of kin and loved ones of honorably discharged deceased Veterans. More than one certificate may be provided. Presidential Memorial Certificate Request form 40-0247 (PDF).