Evening star., 1953-04-16
Veterans
Guide
By Moi. Thomus M. Mol

About 1000 veterans die
every month. many of them un-
aware that the Government
would cushion the burial ex-
penses for their families.
Four burial benefits are pro-
vided, but only after they.are re-
quested. They are:
Burial ExpenSeS-The surviv-
ors of any wartime veteran or
peacetime veteran getting disa-
bility at time of death may be
reimbursed for funeral or burial
expenses up to $3.50. This may
also be paid to survivors of
peacetime veterans who were
discharged or retired with disa-
bilities received in line of duty.
In all cases, the veteran must
also have been discharged under
conditions other than dishonor-
able.
This allowance should be ap-
piled for, by the undertaken or
the person who paid the ex-
penSeS, at the nearest Veterans
Administration district Office.
Along with the application
should go the death certificate
and itemiZed signed statements
or receipted bills of all expenses.
Claims for this allowance must
be filed within two years of
burial.
If the veteran died in a VA
hospital, certain additional ex-
penses, such as transportation of
the body, may be paid.
Burial Rights Defined.
Burial in National Cemeteries
Amy veteran who has been
honorably discharged is eligible
to be buried in any Of 81 ma
tional cemeteries. TranSporta-
ton OF the veterans body, how
ever, must be paid for by the
survivors. The Government will
provide the burial plot and
transportation from the rail sta
ton to the cemetery. It also will
provide for burial services and
military honors If requested.
Although the veteran may be
buried in any national cemetery.
his survivors should apply di-
rectly to the superintendent of
OF the nearest one. Detailed in
formation about the veteran
should be provided, including
date Of birth, military rank, Or
ganization. date and place of en-
listment and his serial number.
Widows and minor children
also may be buried in a national
cemetery if the veteran signs
statement that he'll be buried
there when he dies. These ar
rangements must be made with
the superintendent of the near
est National cemetery also.
Burial Flags American
flag will be issued to drape the
casket of veteran who was dis
charged from the armed forces
under other than diShonorable
conditions. Such flags may be
issued, upon application, by VA
field Offices. most first, second
and third class post Offices and
those fourth class post Offices
located in county seats.
Headstone or Grave Marker
This will be provided to any
veteran honorably discharged
from his last period of service.
Such markers will be furnished
without application if burial is
in national cemetery, appro-
priately inscribed by the Govern
ment and put in place. These
markers are about two feet high
and of white marble.
Markers to be placed in private
cemeteries must be applied for
through the Quartermaster Cen
eral, Department Of the Army,
Washington 25. D. c. The type
Of marker will depend to a de-
gree on what the private ceme-
terry officials will allow. The vet
eran's survivors must have it
put In place.
you may write Maj. Mai,
IN care OF The Star. about
your 01Un service connected
problem. Please incIoSe a
stamped. Selt-GddreSSed en-
a,1Joaan