Veteran Services

Veteran Memorial Services

At Aransas Memorial Park, we deeply honor the courage and sacrifice of those who have served our country. We recognize that our freedoms are made possible by their patriotism, dedication, and unwavering commitment to protect others.


Regardless of where a veteran is laid to rest, we're proud to work alongside the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and local veterans' organizations to help coordinate monuments and memorial markers honoring their service. We're committed to ensuring every veteran is remembered with the dignity and respect they've earned.

A Ground Plot, On Us

For the Veterans Who Served

Any veteran with a valid DD214 is welcome to receive any ground plot at Aransas Memorial Park at no cost. It's a small way of saying thank you for a debt we can never fully repay.

What are VA burial benefits and memorial items?

VA burial benefits help service members, veterans, and their families plan and pay for a burial or memorial service in a VA national cemetery. Memorial items — including headstones, markers, and burial flags — are provided by the VA to honor a veteran's service.

Who qualifies for burial benefits and burial in a national cemetery?

Veterans, service members, spouses, and dependents may be eligible for burial in a VA national cemetery, along with other benefits, if they meet one of the following:

  • A veteran who didn't receive a dishonorable discharge
  • A service member who died while on active duty, active duty for training, or inactive duty for training
  • The spouse or minor child of a veteran, even if the veteran died first
  • In some cases, the unmarried adult dependent child of a veteran

What are military funeral honors and a committal service?

Military funeral honors include the playing of "Taps," a rifle detail, a color guard, and uniformed service members who properly fold and present the American flag to the grieving family. To qualify for a burial flag, the veteran or reservist must meet at least one of the following:

  • Served in wartime
  • Died while serving on active duty after May 27, 1941
  • Served after January 31, 1955
  • Served in peacetime and left military service before June 27, 1950, after completing at least one enlistment, or was discharged due to a disability that was caused - or made worse - by their service
  • Served in the Selected Reserves, or served in the military forces of the Philippines while in service of the United States and died on or after April 25, 1951

What are burial benefits and how to apply

The veteran's death benefits help cover the burial, funeral, and transportation costs associated with the deceased’s services and disposition. For those being buried in a national cemetery, survivors can receive assistance with the burial and funeral costs, the plot or interment, and the transportation of the veteran’s remains for burial.

You must file a claim for a non-service-connected burial allowance within two years after the veteran’s burial or cremation. There is no time limit to file for a service-connected burial, plot, or interment allowance.
You can apply online at https://www.va.gov/burials-and-memorials/application/530/introduction or by mail after completing the VA Form 21P-530EZ.

Memorial items

Eligible veterans and service members may qualify for memorial items provided by the VA, including headstones, markers, burial flags, and certificates. Learn more at va.gov/burials-memorials/memorial-items.

The VA also provides a headstone for the unmarked grave of an eligible veteran at no charge. To request a headstone, grave marker, or niche marker, complete VA Form 10-4330 and mail it to:


Department of Veterans Affairs
5109 Russell Road
Quantico, VA 22134-3909

For more information on VA burial benefits and memorial items, visit va.gov/burials-memorials or call the VA at 1-800-827-1000.