VETERAN'S ASH DISPOSAL AT SEA

Honoring Those Who Served Our Country

The rendering of Military Funeral Honors is a way to show the Nation’s deep gratitude to those who, in times of war and peace, have faithfully defended our  country. This ceremonial paying respect is the final demonstration a grateful Nation can provide to the veterans’ families.

Burial at sea is an increasingly accepted and preferred method of interment. Many spouses are now considering burial at sea as an affordable, thoughtful, reasonable and timely solution.

A recent newspaper article stated “As more and more aging military veterans die each day, their families are discovering there is a final stinging indignity. There are not enough places to bury their bodies.”

“Many aging spouses find themselves storing away their husband's ashes in small brown boxes, waiting for the time they can be buried nearby.”

Pacific Coast Ashes at Sea has been conducting ash dispersals at sea for families for the past 20 years. Each service is handled individually, with respect and reverence. The Captain reads the Nautical Commitment to the Deep during the ceremony. The exact Global Position System location coordinates are recorded and provided to the family on the Certificate of Disposition. This enables family or friends to “re-visit” the exact site where original disposition took place.

The boat trip is exclusively for your family . . . only one family goes at a time.

Q & A REGARDING VETERAN INTERNMENT

What Is A VA Burial Allowance?

A VA burial allowance is a partial reimbursement of an eligible veteran’s burial and funeral costs. When the cause of death is not service-related, the reimbursement is generally described as two payments: (1) a burial and funeral expense allowance, and (2) a plot interment allowance.

Who Is Eligible?

You may be eligible for a VA burial allowance if:

You paid for a veteran's burial or funeral You have not been reimbursed by another government agency or some other source, such as the deceased veteran's employer AND The veteran was discharged under conditions other than dishonorable. In addition, at least one of the following conditions must be met:

The veteran died because of a service-related disability The veteran was receiving VA pension or compensation at the time of death The veteran was entitled to receive VA pension or compensation but decided not to reduce his/her military retirement or disability pay The veteran died in a VA hospital or while in a nursing home under VA contract, or while in an approved state nursing home.

How Much Does VA Pay?

Service-Related Death. VA will pay up to $1,500 toward burial expenses for deaths prior to September 10, 2001. For deaths on or after September 11, 2001, VA will pay $2,000. If the veteran is buried in a VA national cemetery, some or all of the cost of moving the deceased may be reimbursed.

Non Service-Related Death. VA will pay up to $300 toward burial and funeral expenses, and a $150 plot interment allowance for deaths prior to December 1, 2001. The plot-interment allowance is $300 for deaths on or after December 1, 2001. If the death happened while the veteran was in a VA hospital or under contracted nursing home care, some of all of the costs for transporting the deceased's remains may be reimbursed.

How Can You Apply?

You can apply by filling out VA Form 21-530, Application for Burial Allowance. You should attach proof of the veteran’s military service (DD 214), a death certificate, and copies of funeral and burial bills you have paid.

What about Military Funeral Honors?

“Honoring Those Who Served” is the title of the DoD program for providing dignified military funeral honors to veterans who have defended our Nation. Upon  the family’s request, the law requires that every eligible veteran receive a military funeral honors ceremony to include folding and presenting the United States burial flag and the playing of Taps. The law defines a military funeral honors detail as consisting of two or more uniformed military persons with at least one a member of the veteran's parent service of the Armed Forces. The DaD program calls for funeral home directors to request military funeral honors on behalf of the veteran's family.

Who is eligible for Military Funeral Honors?

Military members on active duty or in the Selected Reserve. Former military members who served on active duty and departed under conditions other than dishonorable. Former military members who completed at least one term of enlistment or period of initial obligated service in the Selected Reserve and departed under conditions other than dishonorable. Former military members discharged from the Selected Reserve due to a disability incurred or aggravated in the line of duty. What can the family of an eligible veteran expect? The core elements of the funeral honors ceremony, which will be conducted are: Flag folding / Flag presentation / Playing of Taps The veteran’s parent Service representative will present the flag.

What can the family of an eligible veteran expect?

The core elements of the funeral honors ceremony, which will be conducted are: Flag folding / Flag presentation / Playing of Taps The veteran’s parent Service representative will present the flag.

The playing of "Taps"?

It became standard at military funeral ceremonies in 1891. There is something singularly beautiful and appropriate in the music of this wonderful call. Its strains are melancholy, yet full of rest and peace. Its echoes linger in the heart long after its tones have ceased to vibrate in the air.

FOR VETERAN HONOR CEREMONY, CONTACT YOUR LOCAL VFW OR AMERICAN LEGION POST , AND ASK ABOUT “HONOR GUARD” CEREMONY AVAILABLE.