Veterans Funeral Services

Funerals for U.S. Military Veterans

At Westhaven Memorial Funeral Homes, we proudly acknowledge the sacrifices made by those who have served our country through their patriotism, love of country and willingness to protect others. That's why we are committed to providing quality service and professional help to aid families in the paperwork required to obtain benefits provided through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for deceased U.S. military veterans.

Schedule an appointment to discuss this process by calling our funeral home in Magee, MS today.

Veteran Services FAQs

What are VA burial benefits and memorial items?

The VA's 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 VA  to honor the service of the deceased who have served their 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, along with other benefits, if they meet one of the following requirements listed below:

• A veteran who did not 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 passed away before them.
• In some cases, the unmarried adult dependent child of a veteran is eligible.

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 members. These flags are typically presented to the deceased’s next of kin or to a 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 VA's death benefits help cover the burial, funeral and transportation costs associated with the deceased’s services and disposition. For individuals 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.

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A veteran who did not 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 meets these requirements, visit https://www.va.gov/burials-memorials/memorial-items/headstones-markers-medallions.

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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 call the VA office at (800) 827-1000.