We believe the story of every veteran's life deserves to be shared. We are deeply committed to providing families with exceptional veterans services and can assist you in securing military burial benefits. When it comes time for you to make arrangements for the veteran in your life, know that our staff is both qualified and committed to providing them with the military honors they deserve.
When arranging for veterans' burial services, you can rely on us to complete all the necessary paperwork involved in obtaining the military death and burial benefits that are available. These can include:
Contact us to learn how we can work together to pay tribute to your veteran.
We also offer a Flag Retirement Program to ensure the dignified disposal of worn U.S. Flags.
The basic Military Funeral Honors (MFH) ceremony consists of the folding and presentation of the United States burial flag to the veterans' family and the playing of Taps. The ceremony is performed by a volunteer group of veterans known as the Honor Guard. .
Your funeral director will contact and coordinate with your local honor guard to ensure that your veteran is buried with proper final military rites. Taps may be played by a bugler or, if a bugler is not available, by using a quality recorded version.
VA Burial Benefits for Veterans and Spouses in Philadelphia, Delaware County, PA, and Chester County, PA
As a veteran or spouse of a veteran, you may be entitled to burial benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). These benefits can help cover the costs of a burial or memorial service and provide a final resting place for your loved one.
In Philadelphia, Delaware County, PA, and Chester County, PA, there are a variety of VA burial benefits available to eligible individuals. Here are some of the most important benefits to be aware of:
To be eligible for these VA burial benefits, the veteran or spouse must meet certain requirements. For example, the veteran must have been discharged under conditions other than dishonorable, and the spouse must have been married to the veteran at the time of their death. Additionally, some benefits may have income or asset limits.
If you are a veteran or spouse of a veteran in Philadelphia, Delaware County, PA, or Chester County, PA, and you believe you may be eligible for VA burial benefits, it's important to contact your local VA office or one of our funeral homes as soon as possible. We can help you navigate the application process and ensure that you receive all of the benefits you are entitled to.
The Washington Crossing Veterans Cemetery is a memorial park for local veterans and their spouses who have served our great nation with distinction. Located close to our three funeral homes in Newtown, Pennsylvania, the cemetery offers a peaceful and dignified setting for those who have given so much to our country. If you are a veteran or spouse of a veteran and are interested in being buried at the Washington Crossing Veterans Cemetery, here is what you need to know:
For more information on burial eligibility, benefits, or to schedule a burial, please contact us or the cemetery's administrative office at (215) 504-5610.
The preferred method is the DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty. If the DD Form 214 is not available, any discharge document showing other than dishonorable service can be used. The DD Form 214 may be obtained by filling out a Standard Form 180 and sending it to:
National Personnel Records Center(NPRC)
9700 Page Blvd.
St. Louis, MO 63132
The Standard Form 180 may be obtained from the National Records Center or via the following website: https://www.archives.gov/research/order/standard-form-180.pdf
Yes. Members of the Commissioned Officer Corps of the Public Health Service (PHS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), as members of a Uniformed Service, are also eligible to receive funeral honors.
Eligibility is established using NOAA Form 56-16, Report of Transfer or Discharge. If the family does not have a copy of the NOAA Form 56-16, it may by obtained by contacting the Chief, Officer Services Division, NOAA Commissioned Personnel Center at (301) 713-7715. or by writing:
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Commissioned Personnel Center
Chief, Officer Services Division (CPC1)
1315 East-West Highway, Room 12100
Silver Spring, Maryland 20910
Funeral honors eligibility is established using PHS Form 1867, Statement of Service (equivalent to the DD Form 214). If the family does not have a copy of the Statement of Service, it may be obtained by contacting the Privacy Coordinator for the Commissioned Corps at (240) 453-6041 or writing:
Division of Commissioned Personnel/HRS/PSC
Attention: Privacy Act Coordinator
5600 Fishers Lane
4-36
Rockville, Maryland 20857