Thought I would pass this information along. Might be of interest to some crewmembers:

While making advance preparations for my eventual funeral, I found I have some options available concerning burial. I always thought veterans could only be buried free of charge in a federal cemetery.

As I began checking I found almost all the federal cemeteries in my state were full. I happened to read a letter to the editor in my local newspaper that stated veterans could be buried in a state veterans cemetery. I checked and found there are three state veterans cemeteries in my home state of North Carolina. Ironically one is only twelve miles from my house.

I called and took a copy of my DD-214 to the business office. I am now pre- registered and will receive a guaranteed burial plot for either coffin burial or cremation burial, a headstone (with my choice of information) on it, the use of the small chapel or an outside committal shelter for services, the actual burial of the remains and perpetual maintenance of the plot, all for free. The only cost is for the funeral expenses, such as a coffin or cremation.

This is available to any honorably discharged veteran. Wives and under some circumstances dependent children are eligible though there may be a fee for anyone other than the veteran. This is not something I read off the Internet, this is something I have already done. Probably each state is a little different but it may be worth the effort (it was very simple for me) to check. Just remember to check with a state veterans cemetery.