Your Guide to Louisiana State Veteran Cemeteries: Honoring Service with a Dignified Resting Place

Navigating end-of-life arrangements for a beloved veteran can be a challenging time for families. At VeteranFunerals, we understand the profound sacrifice made by those who served our nation, and we believe every veteran deserves a final resting place that reflects their courage and dedication. Louisiana proudly honors its veterans through its two state-operated veteran cemeteries, providing a dignified and serene environment for eternal rest. This comprehensive guide will walk Louisiana veteran families through the essential rules, procedures, and context surrounding these sacred grounds, helping you understand your options and ease the planning process during a difficult period.

Understanding Louisiana's State Veteran Cemeteries

Louisiana's commitment to its military heroes is demonstrated through the establishment and operation of two State Veteran Cemeteries, managed by the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs (LDVA). These cemeteries are a vital resource, offering a no-cost burial option for eligible veterans and their families, aligning with the standards set by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs National Cemetery Administration.

The two locations serving the diverse regions of Louisiana are:

• Louisiana Veterans Cemetery in Keithville, LA: Situated just southwest of Shreveport, this cemetery serves veterans and their families in the northern part of the state. It offers a tranquil setting amidst rolling hills, providing a peaceful tribute to those who served.
• Southeast Louisiana Veterans Cemetery in Slidell, LA: Located on the eastern side of the state, near the bustling New Orleans metropolitan area, this cemetery provides a solemn and beautiful final resting place for veterans from the southern and eastern parishes.

Both cemeteries are meticulously maintained, ensuring perpetual care for all gravesites. Services typically include the gravesite itself (casket or cremation), the opening and closing of the grave, and a government-provided headstone or marker, all at no cost to the veteran's family for eligible individuals. These facilities are not merely burial grounds; they are hallowed spaces of remembrance, respect, and gratitude.

Eligibility for Burial at Louisiana State Veteran Cemeteries

Eligibility for burial in a Louisiana State Veteran Cemetery mirrors the stringent requirements for burial in national veteran cemeteries, ensuring that only those who have honorably served our country receive this distinctive benefit. Understanding these criteria is the crucial first step in planning.

Veteran Eligibility Requirements:

To be eligible, a deceased veteran must have:

• Served in the U.S. Armed Forces: This includes the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Space Force.
• Received an "Honorable" discharge: Service must have been terminated under conditions other than dishonorable. This is typically verified through a DD-214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty).
• Minimum Service Requirement: Generally, a minimum of 24 months of continuous active duty service or completion of the full period for which they were called to active duty, unless discharged earlier for a service-connected disability.
• Other Eligible Individuals:
  • Members of the Reserve Components or National Guard who were federalized and served for the prescribed period.
  • Members of the Commissioned Corps of the Public Health Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) under certain conditions.
  • World War II Merchant Mariners.

Spouse and Dependent Eligibility:

• Spouse: The spouse of an eligible veteran is also eligible for burial, even if they predecease the veteran. In specific cases, an eligible veteran’s spouse may be buried in a state veterans cemetery even if the veteran is not.
• Minor Children: Unmarried minor children of an eligible veteran are eligible for burial. This generally includes children under 21 years of age, or under 23 years of age if pursuing a full-time course of instruction at an approved educational institution. Permanently physically or mentally disabled children who became incapable of self-support prior to age 21 (or 23 if a full-time student) are also eligible.
• Unremarried Former Spouses: In certain circumstances, an unremarried former spouse of an eligible veteran may be eligible if they received certain benefits based on the veteran's service.

Disqualifying Factors:

Individuals generally not eligible include those who:

• Received a dishonorable discharge.
• Were convicted of certain capital crimes.
• Are found to have committed certain crimes as outlined in 38 U.S.C. § 2411.

Crucial Documentation: The most important document for proving eligibility is the DD-214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty). Families should locate this document well in advance. For spouses and dependents, a marriage certificate and birth certificates will also be necessary.

The Burial Process: Procedures and Practical Steps in Louisiana

Arranging a burial at a Louisiana State Veteran Cemetery involves several key steps. While your chosen funeral home will be an invaluable partner throughout this process, understanding the procedure empowers families to make informed decisions.

1. Pre-Need Eligibility Determination (Highly Recommended)

To alleviate stress during an emotional time, the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs encourages veterans and their families to apply for pre-need eligibility determination. This process allows the veteran to apply for eligibility for burial in a State Veteran Cemetery at any time, establishing their eligibility criteria prior to the time of need.

• How to Apply: Contact the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs (LDVA) or directly reach out to one of the State Veteran Cemeteries. They will provide the necessary forms and guidance on submitting supporting documentation (primarily DD-214).
• Benefits: A pre-need determination means that when the time comes, the family primarily needs to notify the cemetery of the death, significantly streamlining the scheduling and verification process. It does not reserve a specific plot but confirms eligibility.

2. At-Need Application (When Death Occurs)

If pre-need eligibility was not established, the process begins when the veteran or eligible family member passes away:

• Step A: Gather Documents: Immediately locate the deceased veteran's DD-214. For spouses or dependents, gather the marriage certificate or birth certificates, along with the deceased's death certificate.
• Step B: Contact Your Funeral Home: Inform your chosen funeral home that you wish to arrange burial at a Louisiana State Veteran Cemetery. They are experienced in coordinating with the cemeteries and can guide you through the logistics, including transportation of remains.
• Step C: Contact the Cemetery or LDVA: The funeral home will typically assist in this, but families can also directly contact the Louisiana Veterans Cemetery (Keithville) or Southeast Louisiana Veterans Cemetery (Slidell) to notify them of the death and inquire about scheduling.
• Step D: Eligibility Verification: The cemetery staff will review the submitted documentation (DD-214, death certificate, etc.) to confirm eligibility. This is a critical step.
• Step E: Schedule the Committal Service: Once eligibility is confirmed, the cemetery staff will work with the funeral home and family to schedule the committal service. Due to demand, flexibility with dates and times may be necessary.
• Step F: Interment Options: Louisiana State Veteran Cemeteries offer options for both casket and cremation interments. These include in-ground burial for caskets and urns, or placement in a columbarium niche for cremated remains (if available at that specific cemetery). Ensure you communicate your preference clearly.
• Step G: Military Funeral Honors: Eligible veterans are entitled to military funeral honors, which typically include the folding and presentation of the U.S. flag and the playing of Taps. Your funeral home will coordinate this with the appropriate military service branch.

Important Considerations and Rules for Louisiana State Veteran Cemeteries

To ensure a respectful and uniform environment for all who rest there, Louisiana's State Veteran Cemeteries operate under specific rules and guidelines. Familiarizing yourself with these will help you plan effectively.

Headstones and Markers:

The Department of Veterans Affairs provides a standard government headstone or grave marker for all eligible veterans and their eligible dependents buried in State Veteran Cemeteries. These are furnished at no cost to the family. The design is uniform and typically includes the deceased's name, rank, branch of service, dates of birth and death, and optionally an emblem of belief. Private headstones are not permitted.

Floral and Decoration Policies:

To maintain the dignity and beauty of the cemetery grounds, as well as facilitate perpetual care, there are strict rules regarding floral tributes and grave decorations.

• Fresh Cut Flowers: Generally permitted, but removed periodically to maintain aesthetics.
• Artificial Flowers: Often permitted during specific seasons (e.g., winter months) but usually removed after a set period.
• Prohibited Items: Items such as balloons, pinwheels, glass vases, statues, candles, lights, personal memorabilia, and permanent plantings are typically not allowed.
• Holiday Decorations: Special provisions may be made for holidays like Memorial Day and Veterans Day, but families should always check the specific cemetery's current rules, as policies can vary slightly and are subject to change.

Perpetual Care:

One of the significant benefits of burial in a State Veteran Cemetery is the guarantee of perpetual care. The Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs is responsible for the ongoing maintenance and upkeep of the cemetery grounds, ensuring they remain pristine and dignified for generations to come, all at no cost to the families.

Burial Costs and VA Allowances:

• No Cost for Burial: For eligible veterans, their spouses, and eligible dependents, there is no cost for the plot, opening and closing of the grave, and the grave marker at Louisiana State Veteran Cemeteries.
• VA Burial Allowance: Separately, the VA may pay a burial allowance to reimburse eligible veterans' families for certain funeral and burial expenses. This allowance is not administered by the state cemetery but is a separate benefit applied for directly through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Your funeral home can assist you in applying for this.
• Funeral Home Costs: It's important to remember that while the cemetery services are free for eligible individuals, costs associated with the funeral home (e.g., embalming, casket, cremation services, transportation, funeral service fees) are the responsibility of the family.

Visitation:

Louisiana State Veteran Cemeteries are open to visitors seven days a week, typically from dawn to dusk. Offices are generally open Monday through Friday during business hours. Visitors are expected to observe quiet decorum and respect the sanctity of the grounds.

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Important Things to Know:

• DD-214 is Paramount: Always have the veteran's Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (DD-214) readily available. This is the cornerstone of eligibility.
• Pre-Need is Preferred: Consider applying for pre-need eligibility determination through the LDVA to simplify arrangements for your family later.
• Two Locations in Louisiana: Remember the Louisiana Veterans Cemetery in Keithville and the Southeast Louisiana Veterans Cemetery in Slidell.
• Eligibility Mirrors National Standards: Requirements for state veteran cemeteries align with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs' National Cemetery Administration.
• Costs Covered: For eligible veterans, spouses, and dependents, the grave plot, opening/closing, and a government-provided marker are free of charge.
• Coordinate with Your Funeral Home: Your chosen funeral home is your primary partner in arranging services and coordinating with the cemetery.
• Understand Decoration Policies: Be aware of and adhere to the specific floral and decoration policies of the chosen cemetery to avoid the removal of personal items.
• Verify Information: Cemetery policies and procedures can occasionally be updated. Always verify the latest information directly with the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs or the specific cemetery.

Planning a veteran's funeral is a profound act of love and respect. By providing this detailed guide, VeteranFunerals hopes to equip Louisiana families with the knowledge and resources needed to navigate the process of securing a dignified and honorable final resting place for their cherished veteran.