Varcoe Thomas Funeral Home

Over the past several years, I’ve provided free seminars to veterans at VFW Halls and various other venues to help them understand what burial benefits they were entitled to if a loss occurs.

All honorably discharged veterans are entitled to a flag for burial or service, military honor guard, government grave marker, Presidential Memorial Certificate and burial at a state or government veteran’s cemetery for veteran and spouse. 

If a veteran dies in a VA facility or hospital they are also entitled to reimbursement for transportation expenses from the place of death to the funeral home as well as transportation to the place of burial, cremation or donation institution.  There is also a possibility for reimbursement when a veteran receives disability due to active service, and it is based upon the percentage of disability.

Bucks County veterans are also entitled to a $100 reimbursement from the Bucks County Commissioners Office when a veteran dies and served only during war time periods in the past during enlistment.  Funeral directors will usually present this form to the family and the person responsible for paying the funeral bill will be reimbursed.  

There is also the ability for veterans and spouses to be buried or cremains to be buried or placed in a niche at the Washington Crossing National Cemetery in Newtown.  Veterans and spouses are entitled to a free grave, burial vault, opening and closing of grave and free government grave marker.  If cremated – cremated remains may be buried or placed in a niche with a government marker or plaque free of charge.  Services run on half hour intervals and must be scheduled through the VA National Cemetery Scheduling Office with a copy of discharge for approval prior to scheduling a burial or service.  

Local veterans also donate their time and provide a 21-gun salute and live taps for all services - A Thank You to Those Veterans for Their Service! 

For more information, visit www.varcoethomasfuneralhome.com.