Honor Your Veteran’s Final Voyage: Comprehensive Guide to Sea Burial Benefits and Military Honor Guard Services in Nassau County Waters
When it comes to honoring the final wishes of our nation’s veterans, few ceremonies combine dignity, tradition, and natural beauty like a sea burial with military honors. For families in Nassau County, New York, understanding the available veteran benefits and honor guard arrangements can help create a meaningful tribute that reflects a lifetime of service to our country.
Understanding Veteran Sea Burial Benefits
Any member of the Armed Forces of the United States who dies while on active duty or any veteran who was discharged under conditions other than dishonorable is entitled to burial in a VA national cemetery. However, many families don’t realize that veterans also have access to specialized sea burial programs through the U.S. Navy.
The Navy’s Burial at Sea Program enables families to provide for the final disposition of their service member’s cremated or casketed remains as part of a special onboard ceremony. The Navy offers this service free of charge to eligible families, though families may not attend as the Navy performs the ceremony while the ship is training or deployed. The Navy performs an average of 1,500 cremated remains and 15 casketed remains per year. It performed 806 burials at sea in 2023.
Eligibility for Navy burial at sea includes retirees and veterans who were honorably discharged from any branch of the service and dependent family members of active duty personnel, retirees, and uniformed services veterans. Active duty members and Veterans buried at sea may be eligible for a Government-furnished headstone or marker.
Military Honor Guard Arrangements in Nassau County
Nassau County families have access to comprehensive military funeral honors through the New York Army National Guard Military Funeral Honors program. DET 4 631-962-1625 ng.ny.nyarng.mbx.det4mfh@army.mil Served Counties: Nassau, Suffolk is specifically designated to serve Nassau County veterans and their families.
The law requires that every eligible veteran receive a military funeral honors ceremony, which includes the folding and presentation of the United States flag and the playing of “taps,” upon the family’s request. This Department of Defense program calls for the funeral director to request military funeral honors on behalf of the veteran’s family. This service is provided to veterans with an Honorable Discharge at no cost to their families or the funeral homes.
Federal law provides that “An honor guard detail for the burial of an eligible veteran shall consist of not less than two members of the Armed Forces. One member of the detail shall be a representative of the parent service of the deceased veteran”. Our teams provide military funeral honors for more than 850 veterans each month.
Private Sea Burial Services with Military Honors
While the Navy’s burial at sea program offers a valuable service, many families prefer a more personalized approach where they can attend the ceremony. This is where private sea burial services like Eternal Peace Sea Burials become invaluable for Nassau County families.
Eternal Peace Sea Burials proudly serves the communities of Nassau County and Queens, NY. Located in the serene regions of Nassau County and Queens, NY, our company specializes in providing dignified sea burial services. With a commitment to compassion, professionalism, and respect, we offer families a tranquil way to honor the memory of their departed loved ones.
For veterans and their families, Burials at sea Nassau County, NY through Eternal Peace Sea Burials offers several distinct advantages. Our team, led by Master Captain Scott Schafer and Burial Coordinator Maria Brusalis, will guide you through the necessary steps during this emotional time. Additionally, we provide the option of having a priest present for your memorial service.
NEBAS offers Discounted Military Burials At Sea (full body & ash scattering) with an official US Military Honor Guard. The Honor Guard Dockside Ceremony includes an American Flag folded and presented to your designated next of kin on behalf of the President of the United States with an electronic bugler to sound Taps.
Required Documentation and Planning
Proper documentation is essential for both veteran benefits and honor guard services. A “Report of Separation from the Armed Forces of the United States,” also known as “discharge papers,” is normally required to verify military service. In most cases, this report is the DD 214. The Nassau County Veterans Service Agency can assist will information for the provision of military funeral honors.
Funeral Directors should complete and fax a DMNA Form 86 to the closest Honor Guard Detachment 48 hours prior to the funeral service. If you do not currently have a United States flag for this service and require one, please complete VA Form 27-2008, Application for United States Flag for Burial Purposes and submit along with your DMNA Form 86 request.
Financial Benefits and Support
Veterans buried at sea may still be eligible for VA burial benefits. Veterans buried in a private cemetery may be eligible to receive a partial reimbursement for their burial costs. For non-service related deaths, a burial expense allowance (up to $700) and a plot allowance (up to $700) may be given.
Only one flag may be provided per veteran. Upon the request of the family, an “Application for United States Flag for Burial Purposes” (VA Form 27-2008) must be submitted along with a copy of the veteran’s discharge papers. Flags may be obtained from VA regional offices and most U.S. Post Offices.
Environmental and Personal Considerations
Eco-friendly sea burials also minimize environmental impact, aligning with the values of those committed to preserving nature. Additionally, sea burials offer flexibility in personalization, allowing families to honor their loved ones in a unique and fitting way. At Eternal Peace Sea Burials, we adhere to all EPA regulations by traveling no less than three nautical miles off the coast. Under the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act (MPRSA), the EPA has issued a general permit authorizing the burial of human remains at sea, ensuring a peaceful and respectful final resting place for your loved one.
Making Arrangements
For Nassau County families considering a sea burial with military honors, coordination between multiple parties is essential. Arranging a sea burial with Eternal Peace Sea Burials is a straightforward and compassionate process. We begin with an initial consultation where you can discuss your needs and preferences with our team.
Our commitment to quality and compassion is reflected in every aspect of our operations. Our team of experienced professionals handles each sea burial with the utmost care and respect, ensuring that every detail is attended to with precision. We understand that each family’s needs are different, and we offer personalized services to ensure a fitting tribute to your loved one.
The combination of veteran sea burial benefits, military honor guard services, and professional sea burial providers creates a comprehensive support system for Nassau County families. Whether choosing the Navy’s burial at sea program or working with a private service like Eternal Peace Sea Burials, veterans and their families have access to dignified, meaningful ceremonies that honor a lifetime of service while providing comfort to those left behind.
For more information about arranging military funeral honors in Nassau County, contact the New York Army National Guard Honor Guard at 631-962-1625, or reach out to Eternal Peace Sea Burials at 631-668-5800 to discuss personalized sea burial services that can incorporate military honors for your veteran.