VA National Cemeteries
Burial at Fort Devens Post Cemetery: A family guide
Devens, Massachusetts · national cemetery · closed
The Fort Devens Post Cemetery, when it was originally established on the grounds of Camp Devens in 1931, was originally called the Malvern Hill Cemetery. Since that time, the Fort Devens Cemetery (present location established 1938) has developed a rich and colorful history. Its past provides a glimpse into the life and times of soldiers who fought in six of America’s wars – the War of 1812, Civil War, World War I, World War II, Korea, and Vietnam. Eligible veterans, spouses, and dependent children may be buried at Fort Devens Post Cemetery at no cost. Below: the cemetery's history, notable veterans interred there, eligibility specifics, visiting hours, and the procedure Massachusetts families follow to schedule a burial.
History of Fort Devens Post Cemetery
The Fort Devens Post Cemetery, when it was originally established on the grounds of Camp Devens in 1931, was originally called the Malvern Hill Cemetery. Since that time, the Fort Devens Cemetery (present location established 1938) has developed a rich and colorful history. Its past provides a glimpse into the life and times of soldiers who fought in six of America’s wars – the War of 1812, Civil War, World War I, World War II, Korea, and Vietnam.
Notable veterans buried at Fort Devens Post Cemetery
The National Cemetery Administration documents the following veterans of note buried at Fort Devens Post Cemetery, listed by section and site as recorded in the cemetery's official register.
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Eligibility for burial at Fort Devens Post Cemetery
Planning ahead for a Veteran's or loved-one's final resting place can eliminate unnecessary delays and reduce stress on a family at a difficult time.
The Department of Veterans Affairs covers the grave plot, opening and closing of the grave, perpetual care, a government-furnished headstone or marker, and a U.S. burial flag at no cost to eligible families.
Visiting hours
Visitation Hours: Open daily from dawn to dusk.
How to schedule a burial at Fort Devens Post Cemetery
- The funeral home or family contacts the National Cemetery Scheduling Office at 1-800-535-1117 (24/7 for active funeral arrangements).
- Provide the veteran's full name, date of birth, social security number, dates of service, branch, and date of death.
- Fax or email the DD-214 to the cemetery's interment office for verification.
- Once eligibility is confirmed (typically 30–60 minutes for complete documentation), the cemetery assigns a date, time, and committal shelter.
- The funeral home transports the deceased to Fort Devens Post Cemetery at the assigned time. The cemetery handles opening, closing, and perpetual care from that point.
Where Fort Devens Post Cemetery sits in the Massachusetts cemetery system
Fort Devens Post Cemetery is one of the veteran cemeteries operating in Massachusetts. The cemetery is currently closed to new in-ground burials but may accept cremated remains in some cases. Families should verify status before planning.
For families considering alternatives, the nearest veteran cemeteries appear in our cemetery sidebar. If Fort Devens Post Cemetery is fully reserved, those alternatives are typically the next options.
Common Questions
Frequently asked
Is burial at Fort Devens Post Cemetery free for the family?
Yes, for eligible veterans, spouses, and dependent children. The VA covers plot, opening and closing, perpetual care, headstone or marker, and a U.S. burial flag. The funeral home's transportation and any pre-burial services are the only out-of-pocket costs.
Can I reserve a specific plot at Fort Devens Post Cemetery in advance?
Generally no. The cemetery assigns plots in order. Pre-need reservation is available in narrow circumstances (Medal of Honor recipients, members buried alongside an already-interred spouse). For plot choice, families typically use a private cemetery with a VA-furnished marker.
What if Fort Devens Post Cemetery is full or closed to new burials?
Fort Devens Post Cemetery is closed to new in-ground burials. Cremated remains may still be accepted in some cases. The nearest open veteran cemeteries are listed in the cemetery sidebar; the funeral home can coordinate transport to any of them.
Are military funeral honors provided at Fort Devens Post Cemetery?
Yes. Military funeral honors — flag fold, presentation, Taps — are provided at no cost by the deceased's branch of service at any VA national, state, or tribal veteran cemetery. The funeral home arranges the honors detail.
EverSettled · After the Veteran Funeral
The veteran's spouse may qualify for VA Dependency & Indemnity Compensation.
DIC is a tax-free monthly benefit for surviving spouses, dependent children, and (in some cases) parents of veterans whose death is service-connected. EverSettled walks veteran families through DIC eligibility, survivor pension, life-insurance claims, probate, and the federal-account paperwork that follows.
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