Funerals For Veterans

Six veterans and three spouses became the first to be buried at Alabama's newest veterans cemetery this morning in Montevallo.

Indiana Veterans may be buried at Marion National Cemetery or at the Indiana Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Madison.  Indiana Funeral Care offers funerals for veterans, low cost caskets and pre planned funerals.  Call us today at 1-866-570-0029 for more information.  Or visit us online at www.indianafuneralcare.com. 

A Soldier Died Today

by R.F. Dees and his grandson, Justin Pierce in honor of Memorial Day
and veterans who have fought in wars and conflicts.

He was getting old and paunchy and his hair was falling fast;
And he sat around the Legion, telling stories of the past.
Of a war that he had fought in and the deeds that he had done,
In his exploits with his buddies, they were heroes everyone.
And tho' sometimes to his neighbors, his tales became a joke,
All his legion buddies listened, for they knew whereof he spoke.
But we'll hear his tales no longer, for old John has passed away;
And the world's a little poorer, for a soldier died today.
He'll not be mourned by many, just his children and his wife,
For he lived an ordinary and quite uneventful life.
Held a job and raised a family, quietly going his own way,
And the world won't note his passing, though a soldier died today.
When politicians leave this earth, their bodies lie in state,
And thousands note their passing and proclaim that they were great.
Newspapers tell their life stories, from the time that they were young.
But, the passing of a simple Soldier goes unnoticed and unsung.
Is the greatest contribution to the welfare of our land,
A person who breaks promises and cons his fellow man,
Or the ordinary fellow, who in times of war and strife,
Goes off to serve his Country and offers his life?
It"s so easy to forget them, for it was so long ago,
That the "old Johns" of our country went to battle, but we know,
It was not the politicians, with their promises and ploys,
Who won for us the freedom that our Country now enjoys.
He was just a "common soldier" and his ranks are growing thin.
But, his presence should remind us, we may need his like again.
For when countries are in conflict, then we find the Soldier's part,
Is to clean up the troubles, that others often start.
If we cannot give him honor, while he's here to hear the praise,
Then at least, let's give him homage at the ending of his days.
Perhaps a simple notice, in the paper that would say,
"Our country is in mourning, cause a Soldier passed away today."

I had the opportunity to take Mr. Waugh to Arlington National Cemetery on the 8th.  What a honor to see family and friends come together again to witness such an honorable event.  Some of Del's friends from work came along with old friends from past jobs and those that servered with him during the service.  The burial was amazing with all the active military escorting him and then having the taps played by the band. Words can't describe that moment. 

The good thing is that any honorribly discharged veteran is eligible to be buried at any national cemtery for free.  Funerals for veterans can be arranged by calling us at 317-636-6464 or visit our website at Indiana Funeral Care. 

• Free cemetery space at a natioanl cemetery
• Free burial vault
• Free opening and closing
• Free grave marker

Contact Indiana Funeral Care today to find out more about veteran benefits.  We offer discount cremations starting at $890 and complete church funerals starting at $3,950. 

Hanging out at the VFW Post #10003 last night at the reception to honor Del Waugh, a member's wife said her husband understood that VA Funerals were paid for by the VA until just recently.  When they asked a local funeral home about VA benefits, they responded that they did not know, but would look into it.  We can clarify VA Funeral benefits in advance with just a call.  Now that he realized that there is not such thing as VA Funerals and that the benefits would not cover the cost, he wants to preplan his funeral.

• Free cemetery space at a natioanl cemetery
• Free burial vault
• Perpetual care with no annual maintenance fee
• Free grave marker

The U.S. Navy will also scatter ashes from a war ship and conduct a full military honor ceremony. Active military personnel are permitted on board the ship only, however, the Navy will send a video to the family. For those veterans who have given 20 years active duty, they are entitled to a free burial at sea.

Contact Indiana Funeral Care today to find out more about veteran benefits.  We offer discount cremations starting at $890 and complete church funerals starting at $3,950. 

I was honored to speak to the incoming District Commanders at the American Legion Department of Indiana, July 13.  One of the Commanders volunteered that he learned he could transfer the arrangements he had made for he and his wife to be cremated.  They made the arrangements before they were aware of cremation services offered by Veterans Funeral Care through the American Legion.  He was amazed that our prices on cremation services were so much less expensive.  He was very pleased to learn that Veterans Funeral Care refunds the excess amount in the trust at the time of need to the next of kin and wanted other Legionnaires to be aware of that.

• The grounds are beautifully kept. It doesn't matter what the season is, it is always taken care of.
• There are NO CEMETERY CHARGES for the burial of the honorably discharged veteran AND their spouse. You can still be laid to rest, with your loved one and your service to your country has reserved both of you a place at any national cemetery in the country.
• My families are always taken care of there- The dead are always treated with respect and care, and their living survivors are treated well by the cemetery staff. They are not commissioned salespeople that are friendly only to sell you something; most are also veterans serving fellow veterans.
• I love how the white upright veteran's headstones make symmetrical lines going left-right, forward-backward, and even diagonally!
•         
• The setting is beautiful and peaceful. There are no sounds of traffic or construction, only the rustling of the leaves and the serene sounds of the birds and your own footsteps.

It is an honor and privledge to be laid to rest there, and there is still a camaradarie among veterans, even in their solemn slumber. Military honors are always available, and the rank of the veteran determines which honors will be rendered. There is also an excellent VSO that supplements the honors with a 21-rifle salute and chaplain if so desired.

I have many photos of the cemetery taken during different times of the year. We'd love to share them; simply email a request to us at info@indianafuneralcare.com

Also, if you should have any questions about funerals for veterans, veteran's benefits, military honors, VA funerals, please contact us. Even though we specialize in veterans funerals, we take care of everyone.  We pride ourselves on our low cost funerals with excellent quality service in Indianapolis and throughout Indiana.