San Diego Veteran Burial Services
Funerals Your Way provides veteran burial services in San Diego, including coordination for military honors and national cemetery interment when eligible. Veteran burial follows standard burial practices, with additional considerations for honors, eligibility, and cemetery coordination.
Families may choose burial at a national cemetery such as Miramar, or at a public or private cemetery of their choice. Our licensed funeral directors assist with each step, ensuring arrangements are handled with clarity, respect, and attention to service.
Veteran Burial Benefits & National Cemeteries
Eligible veterans may qualify for burial benefits through national and state programs. These benefits can include interment at a national cemetery, military honors, and a government-provided headstone or grave marker.
The United States maintains more than 130 national cemeteries. In San Diego, families may be eligible for burial at Miramar National Cemetery, depending on service history, discharge status, and availability.
Our funeral directors assist families in understanding eligibility and coordinate directly with the appropriate agencies and cemeteries to ensure arrangements are completed correctly and with respect.
Veteran Burial Options & Pricing
We offer three common veteran burial options. The appropriate choice depends on whether a service is desired, the timing of burial, and family preferences. All options are handled by licensed funeral directors and may be arranged at a national, public, or private cemetery.
⚰️ Direct Burial (Unattended Interment)
A simple, dignified burial without a service or family present. All arrangements and cemetery coordination are handled on your behalf.
👉 Explore This Option
🇺🇸 Graveside Service with Honors
A brief graveside service with family present. Military honors may be included, providing a meaningful and respectful farewell at the cemetery.
👉 Explore This Option
🕊️ Traditional Burial with Service
A full-service burial including viewing, ceremony, and procession prior to interment. Allows time for gathering, remembrance, and a more traditional farewell.
👉 Explore This Option
Compare Veteran Burial Options
Not sure which option is right? This quick comparison can help you understand the main differences before reviewing the full details below.
| Feature | Direct Burial | Graveside Service | Traditional Burial Most Complete Option |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $2,395 | $3,195 | $4,595 |
| Family present | No | Yes | Yes |
| Viewing included | No | No | Yes |
| Funeral ceremony included | No | Graveside only | Yes |
| Hearse to cemetery | Included | Included | Included |
| Cemetery coordination | Included | Included | Included |
| Military honors | If eligible/requested | If eligible/requested | If eligible/requested |
| Best for | Simple interment | Family-attended cemetery service | Full, traditional farewell |
Direct Burial (Unattended Interment) — $2,395
This option includes:
✅Transfer of the deceased into our care
✅Climate-controlled care prior to burial
✅Completion of required legal documentation
✅Transportation to the cemetery
✅Coordination with the cemetery
✅Disposition permit (1)
✅Aftercare package (complementary)
✅Social Security notification
🌳 Tree planted in honor of your loved one (complementary)
Not included:
-
- Embalming
- Viewing or ceremony
- Casket or outer burial container (required by most cemeteries)
Burial with Cemetery (Graveside) Service – $3,195
✅Transfer of the deceased into our care
✅Climate-controlled care prior to burial
✅Completion of required legal documentation
✅Transportation to the cemetery
✅Coordination with the cemetery
✅Disposition permit (1)
✅Aftercare package (complementary)
✅Social Security notification
🌳 Tree planted in honor of your loved one (complementary)
Not included:
-
- Embalming
- Viewing or ceremony
- Casket or outer burial container (required by most cemeteries)
Traditional Burial with Service – $4,595
✅Transfer of the deceased into our care
✅Climate-controlled care prior to burial
✅Completion of required legal documentation
✅Embalming
✅Dressing, cosmetics, makeup
✅Hair
✅Directing service at venue and committal
✅Transfer to cemetery by hearse
✅Coordination with the cemetery
✅Disposition permit (1)
✅Aftercare package (complementary)
✅Social Security notification
🌳 Tree planted in honor of your loved one (complementary)
Not included:
-
- Casket or outer burial container (required by most cemeteries)
Veteran Burial Service Customizations
Every veteran burial service can be personalized to reflect individual service, beliefs, and family wishes. While the burial options above outline the core arrangements, families may choose to add or adjust elements to create a more personal tribute.
Available customizations may include:
-
- Calling hours or visitation
- Printed programs
- Additional clergy or officiant
- Military or patriotic music
- Live musician or vocalist
- Recorded music selections
- Floral arrangements
- Obituary and death notice assistance
- Prayer cards or memorial keepsakes
- Horse-drawn carriage
- Coordination with honor guard or ceremonial elements.
Our funeral directors work closely with families to ensure any requested additions are handled respectfully and in accordance with cemetery and military guidelines.
Veteran Burial Caskets
Families selecting burial may choose from a wide range of caskets. While we offer hundreds of options, we have highlighted several caskets that are commonly selected for veteran burial services due to their traditional styling and suitability for military and national cemetery services.
These caskets may be customized in limited ways, such as interior panels, service appliqués, or color selections, depending on availability and cemetery guidelines.
Our funeral directors will review available options, pricing, and any cemetery-specific requirements to help families make a selection that feels appropriate and respectful.
Important Cost Information
Death certificates are generally available within a few days of filing. Burial services are scheduled based on cemetery availability and coordination requirements.
Additional charges may apply in certain situations, including:
-
- Individuals in excess of 300 pounds
- Difficult or residential removals requiring additional staff
- Services requested on holidays or weekends
Caskets, outer burial containers, cemetery fees, and clergy or venue charges are not included unless specifically stated. Sales tax applies to merchandise where required by law.
Full details regarding goods, services, and pricing are available in our General Price List, which is provided upon request and at our office.
Frequently Asked Questions About Veteran Burial Services
Below are answers to some of the most common questions families have about veteran burial services, eligibility, and military honors. If you don’t see your question here, our team is always available to provide clear guidance and support.
Do veterans qualify for burial at a national cemetery?
Eligible veterans may qualify for burial at a national cemetery depending on service history and discharge status. Eligibility is determined by the Department of Veterans Affairs and requires verification.
Is burial at a national cemetery free for veterans?
National cemetery burial benefits may include the gravesite, opening and closing of the grave, a government-provided headstone or marker, and perpetual care at no cost to the family.
Can military honors be included with a veteran burial?
Military honors may be provided for eligible veterans and typically include the folding and presentation of the American flag and the playing of Taps. Honors are coordinated separately from the funeral service.
Can families choose burial outside a national cemetery?
Yes. Veteran burial services may be arranged at national, public, or private cemeteries based on family preference and eligibility.
What documents are required for veteran burial benefits?
Military discharge documentation, such as a DD-214, is typically required to verify eligibility for veteran burial benefits and honors.
We’re Here to Help
Planning a veteran burial can feel overwhelming, especially when coordinating cemetery arrangements, military honors, and required documentation. Our licensed funeral directors are available to answer questions, explain options, and guide families through each step with patience and respect.
Funerals Your Way is a fully licensed California funeral home (FD: 2188) serving San Diego and surrounding communities. Whether arrangements are needed immediately or families are seeking information in advance, our role is to provide clear guidance and professional support—without pressure or obligation.
Funerals Your Way (FD: 2188)
7932 Convoy Ct.
San Diego, CA 92111
📞 619-550-7807
Funeral Director available 24 hours