Honoring Service: A Comprehensive Guide to State Veteran Cemeteries in Delaware

Navigating the complexities of funeral planning for a cherished veteran can be an emotional journey. At VeteranFunerals, we understand the profound respect due to those who have served our nation. Delaware's State Veteran Cemeteries offer a dignified and serene final resting place, honoring the sacrifices made by our military personnel and providing solace to their families. This guide aims to provide detailed, empathetic, and practical information about these sacred grounds, ensuring you have the knowledge needed to make informed decisions for your loved one's final arrangements in the First State.

Delaware's Commitment: Honoring Service at State Veteran Cemeteries

Delaware proudly maintains a system of State Veteran Cemeteries, a testament to its unwavering commitment to its military heroes. These cemeteries are managed by the Delaware Commission of Veterans Affairs and operate under federal guidelines, often in partnership with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). While distinct from National Cemeteries, they provide similar comprehensive burial benefits, ensuring that eligible veterans and their families receive a final tribute befitting their service.

Delaware is home to three beautifully maintained State Veteran Cemeteries, each offering a tranquil environment for remembrance and reflection:

• Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery (Bear): Located in northern Delaware, serving the greater Wilmington area.
• Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery (Millsboro): Situated in southern Delaware, serving the lower county regions.
• Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery (Milford): Centrally located in Kent County, serving the middle of the state.

These hallowed grounds are more than just burial sites; they are enduring symbols of gratitude, places where families can find peace, and future generations can learn about the courage and dedication of those who protected our freedoms.

Eligibility for Burial: Who Qualifies for a Delaware State Veteran Cemetery?

Understanding the eligibility requirements is a crucial first step in planning. Delaware's State Veteran Cemeteries adhere closely to federal guidelines for veteran burial benefits, with specific considerations for state residency.

Veteran Eligibility

Generally, a veteran is eligible for burial in a Delaware State Veteran Cemetery if they meet one of the following criteria:

• Honorable Service: The veteran must have been discharged from active military service under conditions other than dishonorable. This includes individuals who served in the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and certain members of the Reserves and National Guard who were called to active duty.
• Minimum Service Requirement: While many veterans qualify regardless of length of service, some periods of service may require specific durations to be eligible for all VA benefits, though burial eligibility is often broader.
• Residency Requirement: For Delaware's State Veteran Cemeteries specifically, the veteran must have been a bona fide resident of Delaware at the time of entry into active military service OR at the time of death. This is a key distinction from National Cemeteries, which do not have a residency requirement.

Spouse and Dependent Eligibility

Eligible spouses and certain dependents can also be interred in a Delaware State Veteran Cemetery alongside their veteran loved one, fostering a sense of enduring family unity.

• Spouses: The spouse of an eligible veteran is generally eligible for burial, regardless of whether the spouse remarried after the veteran's death.
• Minor Children: Unmarried minor children of an eligible veteran (under 21 years of age, or under 23 years of age if pursuing a full-time course of education at an approved institution) are eligible.
• Permanently Disabled Children: Unmarried adult children who became permanently physically or mentally incapable of self-support before reaching 21 years of age (or 23 if a full-time student) may also be eligible.

Required Documentation

To establish eligibility, you will need to provide specific documentation. While the cemetery or your chosen funeral director can guide you, common documents include:

• Veteran's Discharge Papers: A copy of the veteran's DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, or other official military discharge documents proving honorable service.
• Marriage Certificate: For spouses.
• Birth Certificates: For eligible children.
• Death Certificate: For the deceased veteran or eligible family member.
• Proof of Delaware Residency: Documents such as driver's license, utility bills, or tax records demonstrating residency as per the requirements.

It is highly recommended to gather these documents in advance, if possible, to streamline the application process.

The Burial Process and Services at Delaware's State Veteran Cemeteries

Planning a burial involves several steps, and Delaware's State Veteran Cemeteries strive to make the process as seamless and supportive as possible for grieving families. Working with a funeral director who is experienced in veteran benefits is invaluable.

The Application Process

1. Contact the Cemetery: While funeral directors often handle this, you or your funeral director should contact the Delaware Commission of Veterans Affairs or the specific cemetery directly to begin the application process and confirm eligibility.
2. Pre-Need Eligibility: Families can apply for a determination of eligibility for burial in a Delaware State Veteran Cemetery even before the need arises. This "pre-need" application is highly recommended as it alleviates stress during a time of loss by confirming eligibility in advance.
3. Submission of Documents: Submit all required documentation to the cemetery for review. Once eligibility is confirmed, the cemetery will coordinate the interment date and time.
4. Coordination with Funeral Home: Your chosen funeral director will play a central role, handling transportation, preparing the remains, coordinating with the cemetery, and arranging for military honors.

Services Provided at No Cost

Delaware's State Veteran Cemeteries provide a comprehensive array of burial services at no charge for eligible veterans, their spouses, and eligible dependents:

• Grave Site: A perpetual resting place in a beautiful and meticulously maintained cemetery.
• Opening and Closing of the Grave: The preparation of the grave for interment and its closure.
• Perpetual Care: Ongoing maintenance of the grave site and the cemetery grounds, ensuring a dignified environment for generations to come.
• Government-Provided Headstone or Marker: The VA provides a standard government headstone or marker, ordered by the cemetery, engraved with the veteran's name, rank, branch of service, dates of birth and death, and often an emblem of faith.
• Presidential Memorial Certificate: An engraved paper certificate signed by the current President, honoring the deceased veteran's service.
• United States Flag: A U.S. flag to drape the casket or accompany the urn, which is then presented to the next of kin.

Interment Options and Military Funeral Honors

Delaware's State Veteran Cemeteries offer various interment options to accommodate family preferences:

• In-Ground Casket Burial: Traditional burial of a casket.
• In-Ground Cremated Remains Burial: Burial of an urn containing cremated remains in an in-ground plot.
• Columbarium Niche: For those who choose cremation, a niche in a columbarium wall is available for the interment of an urn.

Military Funeral Honors: Upon request, and arranged through your funeral director, eligible veterans are entitled to military funeral honors, which include a minimum of two uniformed service members. At least one member will be from the veteran's branch of service. These honors typically include the folding and presentation of the U.S. flag and the playing of "Taps."

Important Things to Know About Delaware State Veteran Cemeteries

• Locations: Remember Delaware has three State Veteran Cemeteries: Bear, Millsboro, and Milford.
• No Cost: There is no charge for the grave space, opening and closing of the grave, or perpetual care for eligible veterans, their spouses, or eligible dependents in Delaware's State Veteran Cemeteries. This significantly reduces funeral costs for families.
• Residency Requirement: Unlike National Cemeteries, Delaware's State Veteran Cemeteries require the veteran to have been a bona fide resident of Delaware at the time of entry into active duty OR at the time of death.
• Pre-Need Eligibility is Recommended: Apply in advance to confirm eligibility and alleviate stress during a difficult time. Contact the Delaware Commission of Veterans Affairs for more information on pre-need applications.
• Work with an Experienced Funeral Director: A funeral director knowledgeable in veteran burial benefits can be an invaluable asset, assisting with all aspects of the application, coordination, and funeral arrangements.
• Distinction from National Cemeteries: While offering similar benefits, Delaware's State Veteran Cemeteries are state-run. The nearest National Cemeteries are typically outside Delaware (e.g., Washington Crossing National Cemetery in PA, or Baltimore National Cemetery in MD).
• Headstones/Markers: The VA provides the headstone or marker at no cost to the family, which the cemetery orders and arranges for placement.
• Military Honors: Military funeral honors are a right for eligible veterans and are arranged through your funeral director.
• Website Resource: For further details and contact information, visit the official website of the Delaware Commission of Veterans Affairs.

Choosing a State Veteran Cemetery in Delaware is a profound way to honor a veteran's legacy. By understanding the rules, procedures, and benefits, families can ensure their loved one receives the respectful and dignified farewell they earned through their dedicated service to our nation. VeteranFunerals is here to support you every step of the way, providing resources and connections to help you navigate this important journey.