Final Honors Program

Final Honors Program

Flags and flowers at a National Cemetary


Through the Final Honors Program, DVS ensures unclaimed or abandoned NYC veterans are given military funerals with honors. If you are aware of a deceased veteran who is at risk of being unclaimed or abandoned please contact us at 212-416-5250 or connect@veterans.nyc.gov.

See below for a list of resources related to veteran burial benefits:

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U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Resources:

End-of-Life Benefits

Plan ahead using end-of-life benefits provided by VA. You've earned your benefits and that includes benefits for your survivors. Ensure your loved ones receive these benefits after you pass away. End-of-life planning provides surviving family members with peace of mind following their Veteran's death.

Eligibility for burial in a VA national cemetery

Veterans, service members, and some family members may be eligible for burial in a VA national cemetery. Visit the VA Burials and memorials eligibility section to find out if you, or a person you’re planning a burial for, can get this benefit.

VA burial benefits

VA burial benefits can help service members, Veterans, and their family members plan and pay for a burial or memorial service in a VA national cemetery. Family members can also order memorial items to honor the service of a Veteran. Find out how to apply for the burial benefits you've earned, and how to plan for a burial in advance or at time of need.

Memorial items for burial

While planning a burial for a Veteran or Reservist, you can apply for certain memorial items to honor their military service. An eligible spouse or other family member buried in a national cemetery, or certain other Veterans or military cemeteries, may also qualify for a headstone or marker to identify the place of burial.

Calverton National Cemetery

Calverton National Cemetery has space available to accommodate casketed burials and the interment of cremains in-ground or in columbaria. An ossuary is available. Burial in a 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.

New York State Department of Veterans' Services Resources:

NY State Veterans Cemetery - Finger Lakes

The New York State Veterans Cemetery – Finger Lakes formerly known as the Sampson Veterans Memorial Cemetery occupies 162 acres along Seneca Lake in Romulus, Seneca County, and is adjacent to Sampson State Park.