Services

Veterans Services

Many of us take our freedoms for granted, but our staff at George Irvin Green Funeral Home proudly acknowledges the sacrifices made by those who have served our country through their patriotism, love of country and willingness to protect others.
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Our staff is committed to providing quality service and professional assistance to help families complete the necessary forms to obtain benefits that are provided through the United States Department of Veterans Affairs for deceased veterans.

  • Veterans Services

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What Are VA Burial Benefits And Memorial Items?

The VA burial benefits are designed to assist service members, veterans, and their families plan and pay for a burial or memorial service in a VA national cemetery. Memorial items are provided through the Veterans Affairs to honor the service of those who have served the country.

Who Qualifies For Burial Benefits And Burial In A National Cemetery?

Veterans, service members, spouses, and dependents may be eligible for burial in a VA national cemetery, as well as other benefits, if they meet one of the requirements listed below:



  • A veteran who didn’t receive a dishonorable discharge
  • A service member who died while on active duty, active duty for training, or inactive duty for training
  • The spouse or minor child of a veteran, even if the veteran died first
  • In some cases, the unmarried adult dependent child of a veteran

What Are Military Funeral Honors And A Committal Service?

Military funeral honors include the playing of “Taps,” a rifle detail, a color guard and uniformed service members who properly fold and present the United States flag to the grieving family. These flags are typically given to the deceased’s next of kin or close friend.In order for the survivors to qualify to receive the burial flag, the veteran or reservist must be described by at least one of the following:


  • Served in wartime
  • Died while serving on active duty after May 27, 1941
  • Served after January 31, 1955
  • Served in peacetime and left military service before June 27, 1950, after serving at least one enlistment or because of a disability that was caused - or made worse - by their active military service
  • Served in the Selected Reserves, or served in the military forces of the Philippines while in service of the United States and died on or after April 25, 1951.

What Are Burial Benefits And How Do I Apply?

The veterans death benefits help cover the burial, funeral and transportation costs associated with the deceased’s services and disposition. For those being buried in a national cemetery, survivors can receive assistance with the burial and funeral costs, the plot or internment, and the transporting of the veteran’s remains for burial.

You must file a claim for a non-service-connected burial allowance within two years after the veteran’s burial or cremation. There is no time limit to file for a service-connected burial, plot or interment allowance.

You can apply online at https://www.va.gov/burials-and-memorials/application/530/introduction or by mail after completing the VA Form 21P-530.
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A veteran who didn’t receive a dishonorable discharge or a service member who died while on active duty may be eligible for a headstone or marker if they meet certain requirements. To find out if your deceased loved one qualifies, visit
https://www.va.gov/burials-memorials/memorial-items/headstones-markers-medallions/ 

The Department of Veteran Affairs also provides a headstone for unmarked graves of an eligible deceased veteran at no charge. To request a headstone, grave marker, or niche marker, fill out the VA Form 10-1330 and send to:

Department of Veteran Affairs
5109 Russell Road
Quantico, VA 22134-3909 

For more information regarding VA burial benefits and memorial items, visit https://www.va.gov/burials-memorials/ or contact the VA office at 1-800-827-1000.



General Information


A columbarium is also available for cremated remains.


The cemetery staff maintains a list of Veterans Service Organization units that may be contacted by the Funeral Home or Next of Kin to arrange a military honor group in addition to or in lieu of the Department of Defense Military Funeral Honors.


There are more than 323,000 veterans living in western Pennsylvania; the 292-acre national cemetery will serve the veterans and their families well into the next century. The cemetery is located approximately 20 miles southwest of downtown Pittsburgh.


The firm of Marshall-Tyler-Raush of Pittsburgh completed the master plan design and construction documents. Phase I construction was completed in July 2008 and the staff moved into their new facilities in August 2008.


Yearly events include a Memorial Day Ceremony held the Sunday before Memorial Day at 11:00 a.m. and a Veterans Day Ceremony held on Veterans Day at 11:00 a.m.


There is a Wreaths Across America Ceremony held each year in December. For more information about the Wreaths Across America program, date/time of the ceremony and to make donations you may go to their web site located at www.wreathsacrossamerica.org. Please note that the cemetery does not coordinate donations for the wreaths.


There is a gravesite locator (Kiosk) in the Public Information Building for those who may not know the location of a gravesite.


The cemetery has a Volunteer Program. If you are interested in volunteering in our Public Information Center or Administration Building, please contact the office for more information.


For educational materials and additional information on this cemetery, please visit the Education section, located below.


Historical Information


Prior to the development of the National Cemetery, the site was continually farmed since the 1800s, and the region was the flash point of the historic Whisky Rebellion of 1794.


Burials at the National Cemetery began in August 2005 with the formal dedication taking place on October 9, 2005.


Monuments and Memorials


The cemetery has a memorial section in instances where there are no remains. Please contact the cemetery for further information and procedures to request a memorial headstone.


The cemetery features a Memorial Pathway that is lined with a variety of memorials that honor America's Veterans.


Community Events for Veterans


Veteran Seminars


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