Honoring Their Legacy: A Comprehensive Guide to State Veteran Cemeteries in Oklahoma

Planning a funeral for a beloved veteran is a deeply personal and often challenging time. For families in Oklahoma, understanding the benefits and procedures surrounding State Veteran Cemeteries can offer solace and a dignified final resting place that truly honors their loved one’s service. This guide, brought to you by VeteranFunerals, aims to provide clear, empathetic, and detailed information about Oklahoma's State Veteran Cemeteries, helping you navigate this important process with confidence and peace of mind.

Honoring Service: An Overview of Oklahoma's State Veteran Cemeteries

Oklahoma proudly provides two State Veteran Cemeteries dedicated to veterans, their spouses, and eligible dependent children. These hallowed grounds, managed by the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs (ODVA), offer a lasting tribute to those who served our nation. Unlike National Cemeteries which are federally operated, State Veteran Cemeteries are state-run but often operate under similar guidelines, providing a perpetual place of honor and remembrance.

Oklahoma's State Veteran Cemeteries are located at:

• Oklahoma State Veterans Cemetery at Fort Sill (near Elgin, OK): This site provides a serene and respectful environment for veterans and their families in southwestern Oklahoma. It is crucial to note this is a State cemetery, distinct from the Fort Sill National Cemetery.
• Oklahoma State Veterans Cemetery at Oklahoma City (near Oklahoma City, OK): Serving the central Oklahoma region, this cemetery offers a convenient and accessible option for many veteran families.

These cemeteries provide a range of interment options, typically including:

• Gravesites: For casketed remains.
• Columbarium Niches: For cremated remains.
• In-ground Burial of Cremated Remains: Often available in designated sections.

At both locations, the State of Oklahoma, in conjunction with federal aid, provides a gravesite or niche, opening and closing of the grave, and a government-furnished headstone or marker, ensuring a lasting and dignified memorial without charge for the interment itself. The perpetual care and maintenance of these grounds are also provided, ensuring the cemetery remains a beautiful and respectful tribute for generations.

Eligibility for Burial: Who Qualifies at Oklahoma's State Veteran Cemeteries

Understanding the specific eligibility requirements is a crucial first step when considering burial in an Oklahoma State Veteran Cemetery. The criteria are generally consistent with National Cemetery Administration standards, extending benefits to veterans, their spouses, and, under certain conditions, dependent children.

Eligible Veterans: A veteran is generally eligible if they served in the active military, naval, or air service and were discharged under conditions other than dishonorable. This includes:

• Members of the U.S. Armed Forces who died on active duty.
• Veterans discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable.
• Members of the Reserve components and the Army or Air National Guard who were entitled to retired pay or would have been entitled but for being under the age of 60.
• Members of the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) who died while performing active duty for training or while performing authorized travel to or from such duty.
• Certain U.S. citizens who served in the armed forces of allied nations during wartime.

Eligible Spouses: The spouse of an eligible veteran is also generally eligible, regardless of whether the veteran is buried in a State Veteran Cemetery or not. This includes:

• The spouse of an eligible veteran.
• A remarried spouse whose subsequent marriage has been terminated by death or divorce (in certain circumstances).

Eligible Dependent Children: Dependent children of an eligible veteran may also be buried. This typically includes:

• Minor children who are under 21 years of age, or under 23 years of age if pursuing a full-time course of instruction at an approved educational institution.
• Unmarried adult children who became permanently physically or mentally disabled and incapable of self-support prior to age 21 (or 23 if a full-time student).

Required Documentation: To confirm eligibility, families will need to provide specific documentation. It is highly recommended to gather these documents in advance, if possible, to expedite the process during a difficult time. Key documents typically include:

• DD Form 214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty): This is the most critical document for verifying a veteran's service and discharge status. Ensure you have a copy that shows an honorable discharge.
• Marriage Certificate: For spouses.
• Birth Certificates: For dependent children, along with any relevant medical documentation for disabled adult children.
• Death Certificate: For the deceased veteran, spouse, or child.

If you do not have a copy of the DD Form 214, assistance can be sought from the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs (ODVA), local veteran service organizations (VSOs), or by requesting it online through the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA).

Navigating the Process: Steps for Burial in Oklahoma

The process for arranging burial at an Oklahoma State Veteran Cemetery can be smoother if families are aware of the practical steps involved. The ODVA strives to make this process as straightforward and supportive as possible.

1. Pre-Need Application (Highly Recommended): Veterans, spouses, and eligible dependent children can apply for pre-need determination of eligibility. This proactive step allows families to establish eligibility in advance, making the at-need process significantly easier and faster when the time comes.

• Procedure: Contact the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs (ODVA) or the specific State Veteran Cemetery directly to request a pre-need application form. Complete the form and submit it with copies of the required documentation (DD-214, marriage certificate, etc.).
• Benefit: Once eligibility is confirmed, a letter of eligibility is issued, which can be kept with important papers, reducing stress for family members during a future at-need situation.

2. At-Need Application (Upon Death): If a pre-need application was not completed, or if circumstances have changed, an at-need application can be made at the time of death.

• Procedure: The next-of-kin or the funeral home assisting the family will contact the desired Oklahoma State Veteran Cemetery. They will need to provide the necessary documentation (DD-214, death certificate, etc.) to verify eligibility.
• Coordination: Most funeral homes in Oklahoma are familiar with the process for State Veteran Cemeteries and can assist families with submitting the application and coordinating all necessary arrangements, including the scheduling of the committal service.

3. Scheduling the Committal Service: Once eligibility is confirmed and all required paperwork is in order, the cemetery administration will work with the family and the funeral home to schedule a committal service.

• Service Options: Services are typically held Monday through Friday during regular business hours. Families can choose between a graveside service or a service in the committal shelter or chapel, depending on the cemetery's facilities and family preference.
• Military Honors: Full military funeral honors (taps, flag folding and presentation by uniformed service members) are generally provided for eligible veterans by their respective service branches or volunteer veteran organizations, coordinated through the funeral home.

Key Considerations and Costs for Oklahoma Veteran Families

While Oklahoma's State Veteran Cemeteries offer significant benefits, it's essential for families to understand what is covered and what may incur additional costs.

What is Covered (No Charge to the Family for Eligible Burials):

• Gravesite or Niche: The actual plot of land or space in the columbarium.
• Opening and Closing of the Grave/Niche: The labor involved in preparing the site for interment.
• Government Headstone or Marker: A standard government-issued headstone or flat marker, inscribed with the veteran's name, rank, branch of service, dates of birth and death, and typically an emblem of faith.
• Perpetual Care: Ongoing maintenance of the cemetery grounds, ensuring they remain dignified and well-kept.
• Presidential Memorial Certificate: A certificate signed by the current President, honoring the deceased veteran.

What is NOT Covered (Family Responsibility/Cost):

• Funeral Home Services: The costs associated with funeral home services, such as embalming, cremation services, viewing, funeral arrangements, staff services, and transportation of remains to the cemetery.
• Cremation Costs: If the veteran is cremated, the cost of cremation itself is typically borne by the family.
• Transportation of Remains: Costs for transporting the deceased from the place of death to the funeral home and then to the cemetery.
• Flowers and Other Embellishments: While flowers are generally allowed at the time of burial, specific rules regarding their placement and removal often apply.
• Obituaries, Death Notices, and Memorial Services: Costs for these items are typically the family's responsibility.

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Important Things to Know:

• Always have the DD Form 214 ready: This is the most crucial document for establishing eligibility for veteran burial benefits in Oklahoma.
• Pre-need eligibility is highly recommended: It significantly simplifies the process during a time of grief. Contact the ODVA for an application.
• Oklahoma has State Veteran Cemeteries: Be clear about whether you are seeking information for an Oklahoma State Veteran Cemetery (managed by ODVA) or a National Cemetery (managed by the VA National Cemetery Administration) as procedures may differ slightly.
• There is no charge for the grave, opening/closing, or headstone: For eligible veterans, spouses, and dependent children at Oklahoma's State Veteran Cemeteries, these core interment costs are covered.
• Funeral homes are key partners: They play a vital role in coordinating with the cemetery, preparing the remains, and arranging military honors.
• Military Funeral Honors: These are typically provided by the respective service branch or authorized volunteer groups, coordinated by the funeral home.
• Rules and Regulations: Each cemetery has specific rules regarding decorations, visitation hours, and grave adornments to maintain the dignity and appearance of the grounds. Inquire about these when making arrangements.
• Contact the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs (ODVA): For the most current information, assistance with eligibility questions, or to obtain pre-need applications, contact the ODVA directly. Their website and veteran service officers are invaluable resources for Oklahoma veteran families.

Planning a veteran's funeral can be a profound expression of gratitude and love. By understanding the offerings and procedures of Oklahoma's State Veteran Cemeteries, families can ensure their loved one receives a fitting tribute that reflects their honorable service to our nation. VeteranFunerals is here to provide guidance and support every step of the way.