Milward Funeral Directors, Lexington Kentucky
Veterans Services
"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 of respect is the final demonstration a grateful Nation can provide to the Veterans families."
Department of Defense
Veterans In Honor™ Package
Veterans of the United States Armed Forces with an honorable discharge are entitled to burial benefits offered by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
Milward Funeral Directors is honored to assist you. As a service to all Veterans, we are honored to help families determine eligibility for benefits, assist in making and processing written requests and coordinating the military honors ceremony.
Burial in a national veterans cemetery
Any veteran with an honorable discharge and their spouse is eligible for burial at one of the 136 National Veterans Affairs (VA) cemeteries in 40 States (with available space) at no cost to the family. There are a total of eight National Cemeteries located in the Commonwealth of Kentucky, but only three are open for future burials
Eligible Veterans and their spouses are entitled to:
- Grave
- Opening and closing of grave
- Outer burial container
- Government headstone
Cremated Remains
Cremated remains can be buried or interred in a Veterans cemetery in the same manner and with the same honors as casketed remains.
Burial Flag
A United States flag is provided to the family of Veterans who have honorably served.
Funeral Honors
Upon request, Veterans receive a military funeral honors ceremony which consists of folding and presenting the United States burial flag and the playing of Taps by either a Military or Veterans honor guard.
Presidential Memorial Certificate
A certificate honoring the memory of honorably discharged deceased Veterans is available to the Veteran’s next-of-kin and other loved ones.
Commonwealth of Kentucky Veterans Cemeteries
The Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs (KDVA) currently operates five state Veterans cemeteries. Eligibility is similar to Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) national cemeteries, but includes residency requirements. According to Kentucky law, the individual must be a Kentucky veteran for burial or interment at one of the state veteran cemeteries. Examples include: 1) born in KY 2) served at one of the U.S. military installations in KY 3) lived in KY 4) home of record in KY .
Services include:
- Furnishing grave or columbarium space
- Opening and closing the grave
- Providing the interment site with perpetual care
- Supplying a suitable marker or headstone
- Furnishing an optional concrete grave liner for casketed burials
Burial in a Private Cemetery
Burial benefits for Veterans who choose to be buried in a private cemetery include a government headstone or marker, burial flag, a Presidential memorial certificate and funeral honors. Some Veterans are eligible for burial allowances in a private cemetery.
Assistance from a Funeral Director
A copy of Veterans Honorable Discharge (DD214) is all that is required to receive Veterans benefits.