Honoring Their Service: A Comprehensive Guide to State Veteran Cemeteries in Minnesota

For the families of Minnesota’s brave service members, the decision of where and how to honor their loved one’s final wishes is profoundly significant. Minnesota’s State Veteran Cemeteries stand as solemn, beautiful tributes, offering a dignified and permanent resting place for those who have served our nation with honor. This guide, tailored specifically for veteran families in Minnesota, provides detailed information on the state's veteran cemeteries, covering eligibility, procedures, and essential steps to help you navigate this important process with clarity and empathy.

Minnesota's Sacred Grounds: An Overview of State Veteran Cemeteries

Minnesota is deeply committed to recognizing the sacrifices of its veterans, providing serene and honor-filled final resting places at its State Veteran Cemeteries. These cemeteries are state-operated, funded by the state, and managed by the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA), offering a lasting tribute that complements federal benefits. Currently, Minnesota proudly operates three such cemeteries, with a fourth underway, each meticulously maintained to ensure the highest standards of respect and beauty:

• Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery – Little Falls: The first and largest, located near the geographic center of the state, it offers a tranquil environment for reflection and remembrance.
• Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery – Preston: Situated in southeastern Minnesota, this cemetery provides convenient access for veterans and their families in that region.
• Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery – Duluth: Serving the veterans and families of northeastern Minnesota, this site overlooks the scenic landscape near Lake Superior.
• Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery – Redwood Falls: Currently under development, this cemetery will expand accessibility to veterans in the southwestern part of the state, demonstrating Minnesota's ongoing dedication.

These cemeteries provide burial options for both casketed and cremated remains, ensuring flexibility to meet diverse preferences. They are distinguished by their uniform, dignified appearance, reflecting the equality of service among all veterans. The MDVA ensures that each cemetery adheres to strict guidelines for interment, providing a consistent and respectful experience across all locations.

Eligibility and Documentation for Burial in Minnesota's State Veteran Cemeteries

Understanding the eligibility criteria is the first crucial step in planning a burial at a Minnesota State Veteran Cemetery. The rules are designed to honor the service of veterans, their spouses, and certain dependent children, ensuring that those who have sacrificed for our freedom receive the recognition they deserve.

Who is Eligible?

• Veterans: Any veteran who was discharged under conditions other than dishonorable, whose service meets the minimum active duty requirements established by federal law, is eligible. This generally includes those who served in the active military, naval, or air service and were discharged under conditions other than dishonorable. There is no residency requirement for the veteran at the time of death for burial at a Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery.
• Spouses: The spouse of an eligible veteran is also eligible for burial in the same cemetery, regardless of their own veteran status. This includes surviving spouses who remarry.
• Dependent Children: Minor dependent children (under 21, or under 23 if a full-time student, or incapacitated adult children) of an eligible veteran are typically eligible for burial if space is available.

Required Documentation:

To confirm eligibility and facilitate the burial process, families will need to provide specific documents. Gathering these in advance, if possible, can significantly ease the burden during a difficult time.

• Veteran's Discharge Papers: The most critical document is the veteran’s DD-214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) or equivalent service record. This document verifies active duty service and character of discharge.
• Marriage Certificate: For spouses seeking burial, a certified copy of the marriage certificate to the veteran is required.
• Birth Certificates: For dependent children, their birth certificate and, if applicable, documentation of full-time student status or incapacitation.
• Death Certificates: Certified copy of the deceased veteran's, spouse's, or dependent child's death certificate.
• Cremation Certificate: If applicable, a certificate of cremation.

Pro-Tip: The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs strongly encourages families to pre-register. Pre-registration helps determine eligibility in advance and can significantly streamline the burial process during a time of loss. While pre-registration doesn't reserve a specific plot, it confirms eligibility, which can be a great relief.

Planning the Interment: Procedures, Services, and Costs

Navigating the logistics of a veteran burial requires understanding the specific procedures and what to expect. Minnesota's State Veteran Cemeteries aim to make this process as straightforward and respectful as possible for grieving families.

The Application and Scheduling Process:

1. Contact the Cemetery: The first step is typically to contact the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery where you wish the burial to occur, or have your chosen funeral director do so. They will guide you through the initial steps and provide necessary forms.
2. Submit Documentation: Provide the required eligibility documents (DD-214, death certificate, etc.) to the cemetery office. If pre-registered, this step is much simpler as eligibility is already confirmed.
3. Scheduling: Once eligibility is verified, the cemetery staff will work with the family and the funeral home to schedule the committal service and interment. Scheduling is subject to availability, and it is advisable to coordinate closely with both the cemetery and your chosen funeral home.
4. Committal Service: A committal service, a brief ceremony at the graveside or in a committal shelter, is typically offered. This allows for a final tribute before interment.

Services Provided by the Cemetery:

For eligible veterans, spouses, and dependent children, Minnesota's State Veteran Cemeteries provide a comprehensive range of services at little to no cost to the family:

• Grave Plot/Niche: A burial plot for casketed remains or a niche for cremated remains.
• Opening and Closing of the Grave/Niche: All labor associated with preparing the grave or niche for interment.
• Outer Burial Container (Grave Liner): A durable grave liner for casketed burials to ensure the grave remains level and stable over time. This is not typically required for cremated remains unless placed in a casket.
• Government-Furnished Headstone or Marker: A perpetual headstone or marker, provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) at no cost, which the state cemetery will order and install. Families will choose from available VA designs.
• Perpetual Care: The ongoing maintenance and upkeep of the grave site and the cemetery grounds.

Family Responsibilities and Potential Costs:

While the cemetery provides the essential elements of the burial, families are responsible for services rendered by a private funeral home:

• Funeral Home Services: This includes embalming (if desired), cremation services, transportation of remains, use of funeral home facilities, funeral director services, and other customary funeral arrangements.
• Cremation Costs: If choosing cremation, the family is responsible for the cost of cremation through a private crematory.
• Spouse/Dependent Fee: While the veteran's burial is free of charge, there may be a modest administrative fee for the burial of an eligible spouse or dependent child, though this is significantly less than private cemetery costs. Check with the MDVA for current fee structures.
• Additional Items: Floral arrangements (beyond any provided by the cemetery), memorial items, or specific ceremonies not covered by standard committal services are typically the family’s responsibility.

Important Things to Know About Minnesota State Veteran Cemeteries

Planning a veteran's funeral can be complex. Here's a bulleted list of crucial information to keep in mind, specifically for Minnesota:

• Pre-Registration is Key: While not mandatory, pre-registering with the MDVA for burial eligibility can save immense stress and time during an emotional period. It confirms eligibility for the veteran, spouse, and dependent children.
• No Residency Requirement for Veterans: Veterans do not need to be Minnesota residents at the time of death to be eligible for burial in a Minnesota State Veteran Cemetery.
• Federal vs. State Benefits: The Minnesota State Veteran Cemeteries operate independently but complement federal VA burial benefits. Families can still apply for federal burial allowances and other benefits through the VA in addition to using a state cemetery.
• Cremation Options: Both ground burial for casketed remains and inurnment (burial of cremated remains in an urn) are available. Some cemeteries may offer columbarium niches.
• Headstone/Marker Process: The cemetery will order the appropriate government-furnished headstone or marker after interment. The style is standardized by the VA, with options for inscriptions. Private headstones are not permitted.
• Floral and Decorations Policies: Each cemetery has specific policies regarding floral arrangements and grave decorations to maintain the dignity and uniform appearance of the grounds. It's essential to inquire about these policies before placing anything on a grave.
• Visitation Hours: Cemeteries are typically open for visitation during daylight hours, though office hours may vary.
• Military Honors: Families can arrange for military funeral honors (e.g., flag folding, Taps) through their chosen funeral home, often facilitated by local veteran service organizations or military units. The cemetery staff can assist in coordinating timing.
• Contact the MDVA: For the most current and specific information regarding eligibility, fees, locations, and procedures, always contact the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs directly or visit their official website. Their dedicated staff are an invaluable resource for veteran families.

Minnesota's State Veteran Cemeteries are more than just burial grounds; they are enduring symbols of gratitude and respect for those who answered the call of duty. By understanding the processes and resources available, families can ensure their loved one receives the honorable and dignified farewell they so richly deserve.