Veteran Benefits Center
State Veterans Cemeteries
Many states operate veterans cemeteries that provide burial options for eligible veterans and their dependents, often at little or no cost.
What Are State Veterans Cemeteries?
State veterans cemeteries are burial facilities operated by individual states, often with partial funding from the federal government through the VA's Veterans Cemetery Grants Program. They provide burial options for eligible veterans and, in many cases, their spouses and dependents.
New York State Veterans Cemetery
New York currently operates the New York State Veterans Cemetery – Finger Lakes in Romulus. Eligibility and available services are determined by the New York State Department of Veterans’ Services. Families should confirm current requirements directly with the cemetery or the Department.
Pennsylvania State Veterans Cemetery
Pennsylvania’s state-operated PA Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Cemetery is located in Erie. Its official eligibility requirements state that the veteran must be a resident of the PA Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Home at the time of death. Pennsylvania also contains VA national cemeteries, which are federal—not state—cemeteries. Families should consult the appropriate official agency for current eligibility and arrangements.
Cremated Remains
Most state veterans cemeteries accept cremated remains for interment. Options may include in-ground burial or columbarium placement, depending on the facility.
How to Request Burial
Burial in a state veterans cemetery is typically requested through the funeral home at the time of arrangement. Taps2's licensed funeral professionals can assist families in understanding the eligibility requirements and request process for state veterans cemeteries in New York and Pennsylvania.
State veterans cemeteries are operated by individual state governments. They are not Taps2 programs. Eligibility is determined by the applicable state agency. Taps2 provides educational information and professional assistance — it does not administer state veterans cemetery programs.
State-Specific Official Resources
- New York State Veterans Cemetery – Finger Lakes — New York State Division of Veterans’ Services — Official New York State resource for the Finger Lakes veterans cemetery
- PA Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Cemetery — Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs — Official Pennsylvania resource for the PA Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Cemetery in Erie
Related Veteran Benefits Resources
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