Cremation Services for Veterans
Choosing cremation does not mean sacrificing military honors or VA burial benefits. At Saddleback Chapel Mortuary in Tustin, CA, we help families of veterans plan cremation services that include full military recognition, from flag ceremonies to honor guards.
Every honor available for a traditional burial service is also available when a veteran chooses cremation. The two are not mutually exclusive, and we want families to know that they have the full range of options.
Military Honors with Cremation
All of the following military honors can be incorporated into a cremation service, memorial ceremony, or graveside committal of cremated remains:
- Flag Presentation. A United States flag is displayed alongside the urn during the service and then folded and presented to the next of kin.
- Rifle Salute and Taps. The traditional rifle volley and bugle call can be performed at a memorial service, graveside committal, or at a separate ceremony.
- Honor Guard and Color Guard. Uniformed service members can serve as a ceremonial presence during the memorial or committal service.
We coordinate directly with local military honor guard units and veterans service organizations in Orange County.
Burial in a National Cemetery
Veteran cremation services can follow any of the formats described on our Cremation Services page, including:
- Traditional viewing before cremation, with military honors during the service
- Cremation followed by a memorial service with military honors at our chapel, a church, or another venue
- Direct cremation followed by a military committal service at the cemetery
- Private family goodbye with cremation, followed by interment of cremated remains at Riverside National Cemetery
VA Benefits for Veteran Cremation
Veterans who choose cremation remain eligible for the same VA burial benefits as those who choose burial. These include the burial allowance, presidential memorial certificate, government headstone or marker, burial flag, and interment at a national cemetery. Cremated remains can be interred at Riverside National Cemetery with full military honors at no cost for the gravesite and perpetual care.
For a complete overview of available benefits, visit our Veterans Benefits page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a veteran have military honors with cremation?
Yes. All military funeral honors, including flag folding, rifle salute, taps, and honor guard, can be performed as part of a cremation memorial service or graveside committal of cremated remains.
Can cremated remains be interred at Riverside National Cemetery?
Yes. Eligible veterans and their spouses may have cremated remains interred at Riverside National Cemetery at no cost for the gravesite. The cemetery also has a columbarium for urn placement.
Does choosing cremation affect VA burial benefits?
No. Cremation does not affect eligibility for the VA burial allowance, burial flag, presidential memorial certificate, government marker, or national cemetery interment.
Honor Your Veteran's Service
Call Saddleback Chapel Mortuary at (714) 544-1450 to discuss cremation options with military honors for your veteran.