National Cemetery Administration
VA National Cemeteries Remain Open for Interment; Will Adjust Operations in Response to COVID-19
March 20, 2020
WASHINGTON — All Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) National Cemeteries are open and will continue to provide interments for Veterans and eligible individuals. Effective March 23, 2020, as a matter of public health and safety, committal services and the rendering of military funeral honors will not be conducted until further notice at VA national cemeteries. Immediate family members (limited to no more than 10 individuals) of the deceased may witness the interment if requested.
"VA national cemeteries will continue to perform our essential function – to inter Veterans and eligible individuals" said Under Secretary for Memorial Affairs Randy Reeves. "We trust the public understands that we must place priority on the health and safety of Veterans and families and our team members who serve them."
Those families choosing to continue with interment may schedule a committal service at a later date. Those families wishing to postpone an already scheduled interment to a later date should contact the cemetery as soon as possible to convey their wishes.
VA national cemeteries remain open to visitors. All guests are strongly urged to obey local travel restrictions and avoid unnecessary travel. Visitors should expect that certain portions of a cemetery typically open to the public, such as public information centers or chapels, may be closed to the public. Contact your local cemetery for updates regarding what may be closed.
For more information, contact NCA Public Affairs chief Les' Melnyk at (202) 891-9987. To make burial arrangements at any VA national cemetery, call the National Cemetery Scheduling Office at (800) 535-1117.
