Burial Rights

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Veteran Burial Rights
Gary D. Helmick
SMSGT USAF Retired
11615, 182nd Ave Ct KPN
Gig Harbor, WA 98329
(253) 884-2442

Are you aware of your burial rights as a Veteran? Do you get Military Honors? If so, how are they arranged?

This article is to inform you of the provisions authorized by the United States Government for burial at the National Cemetery located in Kent/Covington, Washington, and how to obtain full Military Honors.

Tahoma National Cemetery is the first and only national cemetery located in the state of Washington. It is located along SE 24th street in Maple Valley, a small rural community midway between Seattle and Tacoma. It was purchased in 1993 and dedicated in 1997. It consists of 160 acres. Managed by the United States Department of Veteran Affairs, National Cemetery Administration.

Eligibility

Burial (at no charge) in the National Cemetery is open to ALL members of the Armed forces and ALL Veterans discharged under conditions other that dishonorable. Their spouses, unmarried widows or widowers and minor children. Eligible spouses may be buried even if they pre-decease the Veteran. Burial at the cemetery (at no charge) includes a grave site, opening and closing of the grave, a pre-set concrete liner, a government marker, and perpetual care.

Spaces are assigned at the time of need and can not be reserved.

Tahoma  National Cemetery, or the National Cemetery near you if not a Washington resident, provides all of the types of gravesite options;
in-ground casket burials
in-ground or columbaria wall for cremations.

Burial Arrangements

The next of kin or the family's director of choice may make the arrangements directly though the Tahoma National Cemetery Staff.
Tahoma National Cemetery 
18600 SE 240th Street
Kent, WA 98042
(425) 413-9614

Requirements

The following information is required:
A.) A copy of the Veteran's properly signed discharge papers
B.) The Veteran's Social Security Number or Military Service Number