Source: National Cemetery Administration · cem.va.gov · scraped May 2026
History of Biloxi National Cemetery
Biloxi National Cemetery is located in Harrison County, about five miles west of the center of Biloxi on the grounds of the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC) and adjacent to the Keesler Field Air Force Base in Mississippi.
The cemetery was established in March 1934 as part of the VA Medical Center. Biloxi Cemetery's first burial was held on March 24,1934, with the interment of Private Edgar A. Ross, 1st Regiment of the Tennessee Infantry.
From 1934 to 1973 the purpose of Biloxi Cemetery was to provide a final resting place solely for veterans who died in the adjoining medical center. The allocation of cemetery space in Biloxi remained restricted until the passage of the 1973 National Cemetery Act, which opened the cemetery to all honorably discharged veterans and their dependents, active duty personnel and their dependents regardless of home of residence or where death occurred. The first interment after the facility was designated Biloxi National Cemetery was Chief Master Sergeant Robert E. Callender, U.S. Air Force.
Since its establishment in 1934, Biloxi's has increased in size twice as the result of land transfers from the VAMC. In 1982, 17 acres were added to the original 25 and, in 1996, 12 more were added for a total of 54 acres.
Monuments and Memorials Biloxi National Cemetery Monument is approximately 30 feet tall and 10 feet in diameter; it was erected in May 1941 to commemorate all who have served their country.
A square granite marker located around the main flag pole was donated by the National Association of Atomic Veterans on November 9, 1990, in memory of veterans who participated in the U.S. nuclear weapons testing program.
A square granite marker located around the main flag pole was donated by the U.S. Navy Seabees on July 1, 2010, in memory of veterans who served as U.S. Navy Seabees.
A memorial plaque with an original poem by First Lieutenant William S. Haynie, U.S. Marine Corps, titled "This Hollowed Place" was donated in conjunction with American Legion Post 119 in Gulfport, MS.
Notable interments
Veterans, public figures, and citizens of note buried at Biloxi National Cemetery, listed by section and site as recorded by the National Cemetery Administration.
Medal of Honor The Medal of Honor is the highest award for valor in action against an enemy force that can be bestowed upon an individual serving in the Armed Services of the United States.
Recipients receive the Medal of Honor from the President on behalf of Congress. It was first awarded during the Civil War and the eligibility criteria, medal design, and recognition on a recipients' grave marker have all evolved over time. There are 434 Medal of Honor recipients interred at VA national cemeteries including 6 double recipients.
» Medal of Honor recipients interred or memorialized here:
Colonel Ira C.
Welborn (Spanish-American War). He received the Medal of Honor while serving in the U.S. Army, 9th U.S. Infantry, for actions in Santiago, Cuba, July 2, 1898. Welborn died in 1956 and is buried in Section 12, Row 4, Site 12.
Other Burials Six unknown soldiers who served in the Mexican-American War are buried in Section H, grave 4 and 5, and Section DD, graves 25, 26, 27 and 28.
They were reinterred at Biloxi National Cemetery on Veterans Day 1989 and Memorial Day 2010, respectively. These soldiers died at Camp Jefferson Davis on Greenwood Island in 1848. The camp was established as a homecoming port for soldiers returning to the United States from the Mexican-American War. The burials became visible on the island as a result of beach erosion. Archaeological efforts in the late 1970s–1980s and again in 2008–2009 resulted in the identification of the men as U.S soldiers.
Eligibility for burial at Biloxi National 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.
Request eligibility status for:
Veteran or servicemember Spouse Dependent family member Apply online »
Burial in a VA national cemetery is open to all members of the armed forces who have met a minimum active duty service requirement and were discharged under conditions other than dishonorable.
Directions
Directions from Gulfport/Biloxi International Airport: Biloxi National Cemetery, take I-10 East to Exit 46 A (Biloxi /Keesler Air Force Base) onto I-110 South. Take Exit 1B (Gulfport-West). Go west on Highway 90, exactly three miles and stay in the right lane. Turn right on Veterans Avenue, go through one signal light and enter VA property. Take the first road on the right after coming in the main entrance and you will be at the Biloxi National Cemetery.
Floral and grounds policy
Cemetery policies are conspicuously posted and readily visible to the public.
Floral arrangements accompanying the casket or urn at the time of burial will be placed on the completed grave. Please limit your gravesite arrangements to:
Weapons policy
VA regulations 38 CFR 1.218 prohibit the carrying of firearms (either openly or concealed), explosives or other dangerous or deadly weapons while on VA property, except for official purposes, such as military funeral honors.
Possession of firearms on any property under the charge and control of VA is prohibited. Offenders may be subject to a fine, removal from the premises, or arrest.
Education and visiting programs
We are developing educational content for this national cemetery, and will post new materials as they become available. Visit the Veterans Legacy Program and NCA History Program for additional information. Thank you for your interest.
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Nearest cemeteries
The three closest veteran cemeteries to Biloxi National Cemetery (by straight-line distance):
- Mississippi Veterans Memorial Cemetery - Kilmichael — Kilmichael, MS (33 mi · open)
- Mississippi Veterans Memorial Cemetery - Newton — Newton, MS (57 mi · open)
- Northeast Louisiana Veterans Cemetery — Rayville, LA (135 mi · open)
Nearby veteran-friendly funeral homes
The following funeral homes within a 50-mile radius of Biloxi National Cemetery have demonstrated a commitment to serving veterans through specialized services, VA benefits coordination, or dedicated honors details.
Jordan Funeral Home is a premier funeral home located at 845 Highway 12 East in Kosciusko, MS. With deep roots in the community, they provide a peaceful and accommodating environment to honor the memory of loved ones. Direct cremation services are provided starting at $1,295.
Oliver Funeral Home is a premier funeral home located at 113 Liberty Street in Winona, MS. The property features well-appointed spaces including on-site chapel and funeral home facility. Professional offerings include funeral services, visitation, and graveside service, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $3,651. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $5,741, while direct cremation is available from $3,651. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Baptist, Episcopal, Catholic, Methodist, Pentecostal, and Church of Christ.
Crain Funeral Home is a premier funeral home located at 409 Ivy St. in Philadelphia, MS. The property features well-appointed spaces including on-site crematory, pet crematory, and pleasant grove memorial park. Professional offerings include cremation, pet services, and monuments, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $1,000. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $5,200, while direct cremation is available from $2,590. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Various Christian denominations.
McClain-Hays Funeral Service, Inc. is a premier funeral home located at 1002 East Main St. in Philadelphia, MS. The property features well-appointed spaces including on-site chapel, piano, and cameras for webcasting. Professional offerings include cremation services, traditional burial services, and visitation, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $2,595. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $2,995, while direct cremation is available from $2,595. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Christian (Baptist), Christian (Church of God), Christian (Methodist), Christian (Assembly of God), and Christian (Pentecostal).
Milling Funeral Home is a premier funeral home located at 1484 Highway 487 in Sebastopol, MS. The property features well-appointed spaces including handicap accessible and on-site chapel. Professional offerings include funeral planning, pre-planning, and veteran services, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. Direct cremation services are provided starting at $2,200. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Baptist, Church of God, Presbyterian, and Methodist.
Ott & Lee Funeral Home - Forest is a premier funeral home located at 295 East First Street in Forest, MS. The property features well-appointed spaces including chapel and memorial park. Professional offerings include traditional funerals, cremation services, and memorial services, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $1,995. Direct cremation services are provided starting at $1,925. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Baptist, Methodist, Presbyterian, Catholic, Church of Christ, Pentecostal, Episcopal, and Church of God.
Lakeland Place Memorial Park is a premier funeral home located at 6004 Highway 25 in Brandon, MS. With deep roots in the community, they provide a peaceful and accommodating environment to honor the memory of loved ones. The firm's dedication to service is reflected in their 2.0-star Google rating across 3 reviews.
Natchez Trace Funeral Home & Crematory is a premier funeral home located at 759 Highway 51 in Madison, MS. The property features well-appointed spaces including mausoleum, cemetery, and crematory. Professional offerings include funeral, cremation, and burial, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $2,325. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $4,900, while direct cremation is available from $2,325. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Catholic, Protestant, Hinduism, Jainism, Sikhism, Buddhism, Islam, and Judaism (Orthodox and other sects).