Burial at National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona: A family guide

Eligibility for burial at National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona

Eligibility for burial at National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona follows the federal standard for national cemeteries: any veteran discharged under conditions other than dishonorable, with at least 24 months of continuous active service (or discharged for service-connected disability), is eligible. Spouses and dependent children may be buried alongside.

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.

How to schedule a burial at National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona

1. The funeral home or family contacts the National Cemetery Scheduling Office at 1-800-535-1117 (24/7 for active funeral arrangements).
2. Provide the veteran's full name, date of birth, social security number, dates of service, branch, and date of death.
3. Fax or email the DD-214 to the cemetery's interment office for verification.
4. Once eligibility is confirmed (typically 30–60 minutes for complete documentation), the cemetery assigns a date, time, and committal shelter.
5. The funeral home transports the deceased to National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona at the assigned time. The cemetery handles opening, closing, and perpetual care from that point.

Where National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona sits in the Arizona cemetery system

National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona is one of the veteran cemeteries operating in Arizona. The cemetery is currently accepting new in-ground and columbarium interments. Families should verify status before planning.

For families considering alternatives, the nearest veteran cemeteries appear in our cemetery sidebar. If National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona is fully reserved, those alternatives are typically the next options.