News & FCAME Publications: Reference Guide
VII. VETERANS CEMETERIES
| Introduction I. Funerals II. Cremation III. Earth Burial IV. Legalities V. Prepaying Your Funeral VI. Donation (Whole Body, Organ/Tissue) VII. Veterans Cemeteries |
What are VETERANS CEMETERIES, where are they located, and what do they offer?
As more and more national veterans cemeteries exhausted their space, the Federal Government stepped in to provide grants to many states for the formation of State Veterans Cemeteries. In Maryland, for example, they provide a free plot, liner (a concrete slab assembly which encases the coffin), and marker; opening and closing the grave are also free. For burial of a spouse or other eligible dependent, there is a nominal charge for opening and closing the grave, a liner, and interment of cremains. Veterans cemeteries in our region include:
1. Maryland - has 5 state cemeteries:
- Cheltenham Veterans Cemetery in Cheltenham on U.S. Route 301, approximately 8 miles south of Upper Marlboro in Prince Georges County. Cemetery Superintendent: Kathy Swartz at 301-372-6398.
- Crownsville Veterans Cemetery in Crownsville located off State Route 178 on Sunrise Beach Road (Anne Arundel County). Cemetery Superintendent: Bob Gieron at 401-987-6320.
- Eastern Shore Veterans Cemetery in Hurlock, 2 miles south of Preston, about 5 miles northwest of Hurlock on State Route 331 (Dorchester County). Cemetery Superintendent: Denzil Cheek at 410-943-3420.
- Garrison Forest Veterans Cemetery in Owings Mills, located On Garrison Forest Rd., near the Rosewood State Hospital (Baltimore County). Cemetery Superintendent: Gene Fleming at 410-363-6090.
- Rocky Gap Veterans Cemetery in Rocky Gap State Park, just off State Route 68
(Allegany County). Cemetery Superintendent: Ronald Platt at 301-777-2185.
For information on eligibility and other questions, contact the cemetery nearest your home or call the Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs in Baltimore at 1-410-333-4428 or 1-410-962- 4700 and ask to be sent information on the MARYLAND STATE VETERANS CEMETERY PROGRAM.
2. West Virginia - has 2 national cemeteries but no state cemeteries:
- West Virginia National Cemetery, Route 2, Box 127, Grafton, WV 26354.
- Grafton National Cemetery, 431 Walnut Street, Grafton, WV 26354. Both cemeteries may be reached at: 304-265-2044.
3. Delaware - has 2 state cemeteries:
- Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 2465 Chesapeake City Road, Bear, DE 19701, 302-834-8046.
- Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Sussex County, Route 5 - Box 100, Millsboro, DE 19966, 302-934-5653.
4. Arlington National Cemetery
Unlike all other national cemeteries, which are administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs, Arlington is run by the Department of the Army. There is no charge for a plot, liner, headstone, or for opening and closing the grave.
Because of space limitations for in-ground burial, eligibility for inurnment of cremated remains in
the cemetery's columbarium is less restrictive. Placement there is free. (If eligibility for earth
burial is met, ashes may also be buried in-ground.)
Spouses and certain other dependents are likewise eligible for burial at Arlington.
For details, call 703-697-2131 and request the booklet "A Guide to Burial at Arlington National Cemetery." For general information call 703-607-8052; for burial information, phone 703-695-3250 or 703-695-3255.
How does one learn about veterans' burial allowances?
For information on veterans' burial allowances and for the nearest VA Regional Office, call 1-800-827-1000. Also contact your nearest office of the Social Security Administration to learn about Social Security burial benefits.