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All Veterans Affairs national cemeteries across the country have resumed committal and memorial services after they were forced to a halt in late March due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
"During the last 10 weeks, VA national cemeteries have continued performing our essential mission — to inter veterans and eligible family members,” said VA Secretary Robert Wilkie in a statement. “We believe we have a robust set of measures in place that will allow us to conduct committal and memorial services while protecting the health and safety of veterans, their families and our team members who serve them.”
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The VA said it contacted families who were unable to hold services because of the pandemic to arrange for memorial services for their loved ones beginning in July. While military cemeteries remained open for interments and visitations during the pandemic, other services were temporarily suspended to meet safety and health guidelines.
Cemeteries will continue to adhere to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19 by limiting the number of individuals attending services, practicing physical distancing between individuals not from the same household, ensuring all attendees and employees wear face masks, encouraging frequent use of hand sanitizer and asking sick individuals to stay home. The number of people who are permitted to attend will vary based on state and local guidelines for gatherings. However, families can continue to choose direct interment and opt for a memorial service later when all restrictions have been lifted.
Arlington National Cemetery Reopens to Public
In early September, Arlington National Cemetery began permitting the public to access its grounds between 8 a.m. and noon. But some common sites of interest remain closed, including the gravesite of John F. Kennedy, the Memorial Amphitheater and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Funeral services allow no more than 50 people in attendance, funeral honors have a modified escort, and only two family members are allowed in the administration building for coordination on the day of the funeral.
Family pass holders still have access to visit a loved one’s gravesite from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Who can be buried in a VA national cemetery?
Veterans, service members, spouses and dependents may qualify for burial benefits if they meet one of the following requirements:
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