Please call Sunset Gardens at 509-943-0803 to learn more.

Curious about what the National Cemetery Administration recommends when preparing for burial in a private cemetery?

Burial in a Private Cemetery – Per the VA 
You may want to ask the following questions when preparing for burial in a private cemetery:

• When responding to an offer of a “free” gravesite for Veterans, ask if there is a requirement to purchase an additional gravesite.
• If an additional gravesite is required, where will it be located and what is the cost?
• Ask if there are restrictions on the type of headstone or marker that can be used to mark the grave.
• Is there an additional cost for the placement, setting or care of a free government headstone or marker?
• Is it more than if a private headstone or marker is purchased?
• Is an outside container (usually called a “vault” or “grave liner”) required?

We suggest when the burial will be in a private cemetery and a Government headstone or marker or medallion will be requested for the Veteran’s grave, that the family complete, in advance, one of the following forms and place it with the Veteran’s military discharge papers for use at the time of need:

• Claim for Standard Government Headstone or Marker
• Claim for Government Medallion for Placement in a Private Cemetery
• Only an eligible Veteran may receive a Government-furnished headstone or marker or medallion for placement in a private cemetery.
• Veteran’s spouses and dependent children are not eligible.
• Sunset Gardens Staff will supply you with and help you navigate all fo these necessary documents.