What’s The Problem?

The final resting places of our nation’s veterans are sacred spaces that deserve care, dignity, and lasting recognition. While national cemeteries managed by the National Cemetery Administration (NCA) are maintained to a high standard, a much quieter and often overlooked issue persists: the inconsistent care and recognition of veterans buried in community cemeteries.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers limited financial allowances for plot, burial, and in some cases, transportation—but many surviving family members and next-of-kin are unaware of these benefits, and often find the application process confusing and burdensome. Families are typically required to submit proof of service, a death certificate, and, in some cases, itemized receipts and other documentation. Reimbursement is not guaranteed, and grieving families are often left to rely on funeral homes or cemetery staff to navigate the administrative hurdles.

The situation is especially challenging in non-federal cemeteries, where there is no standardized process to ensure veterans’ graves are marked or maintained. Some families are unaware of the available benefits, while others may lose eligibility due to strict deadlines—such as the two-year window to file for burial and plot allowances for non-service-connected deaths. Even when a government-issued marker is approved, installation costs are not covered, creating a financial barrier. Most cemeteries require licensed monument companies to install the markers, which can cost families anywhere from $300 to $800.

Over time, the problem compounds. Veterans’ markers may deteriorate, become overgrown, or go missing entirely—especially in cemeteries with limited resources or no permanent caretaker. There is no centralized system in place to track or maintain these graves once they fall outside the NCA’s jurisdiction.

To its credit, the NCA has taken steps to help where possible—within the limits of federal law. While it cannot provide funding or personnel to maintain community cemeteries, it has published guidance on marker care, created volunteer resources, and developed digital tools such as the Veterans Legacy Memorial (VLM) to preserve veterans' stories. Yet these efforts cannot fully meet the growing need across thousands of local cemeteries nationwide.

That’s where organizations like the Warriors Remembrance Foundation come in—working directly with local communities and cemeteries to locate, document, and care for veterans’ graves that might otherwise be forgotten. By stepping in where federal support stops, these grassroots efforts ensure veterans are honored, regardless of where they are buried.

In conclusion, while the VA does offer burial benefits, the system remains difficult to navigate—especially for families burying loved ones outside of national, state, or tribal cemeteries. Greater awareness, increased community involvement, and support for local initiatives and nonprofits are critical if we are to truly uphold our promise to never forget those who served.