In World War I, remains were buried throughout Europe, and eight permanent cemeteries were established overseas. Overseas cemeteries are maintained by the American Battlefield Monuments Organization. During World War II, more than 250,000 US soldiers were buried in temporary cemeteries. Not until the Korean war did the US Army move away from this practice. During the Vietnam war, concurrent return allowed fallen comrades to be returned to the US in about seven days.
Every veteran is entitled to a grave site marker and military rites at the funeral.
A person may request military rites for a veteran who is retired or no longer an active member of the Active or Reserve Components of the military. Requests can be made through many organizations, such as the Veterans Administration or information officers at any Army National Guard or US Army Reserve unit. All active units, most reserve units, as well as most active Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion posts have a color guard identified to perform military funeral rites. Three Programs To Fit Military Needs Different mortuary affairs programs are used for different circumstances. Under the current death program , remains are shipped to a place designated by the person authorized to direct permanent disposition and are provided with professional mortuary services.