Online not an option
to request VA burial

Answer: A request for burial in a VA national cemetery cannot be done over the Internet. The person making burial arrangements should have the funeral home contact the national cemetery in which burial is desired at the time of need.

If possible, the following information concerning the deceased should be provided when the cemetery is first contacted: full name and military rank, branch of service, Social Security and service number, VA claim number, if applicable, date and place of birth, date and place of death, date of retirement or last separation from active duty; and copy of any military separation documents, such as the Department of Defense form 214.

The discharge documents must specify dates of active military duty and character of discharge such as release from active duty under other than dishonorable conduct. Viewing facilities are not available and funeral services cannot be done at VA national cemeteries, but a final committal service may be permitted. For more information, contact either the VA's benefits and services at 433-1000, or the National Cemetery of the Pacific at 566-1430 or at www.va.gov/hawaii.

Q: Can a language other than English be used for inscriptions on VA headstones and markers?

A: Inscriptions, such as terms of endearment, are permitted on VA headstones in a language other than English. Those inscriptions must be based on the Latin alphabet and be compatible with VA's mission to honor deceased veterans. Standard inscription items -- the veteran's name, date of birth, date of death and military information -- must be in English. These rules apply to headstones in VA-run national cemeteries and to headstones and markers provided by VA for use in other cemeteries. For more information, contact the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific at 532-3720.