For anybody interested, the Veteran Admin has something called a Legacy Memorial page where veterans can write their story, so to speak. You need to be pre-approved for burial in a veteran’s cemetery and whatever you submit won’t be posted until after your passing. If you intend to be buried in a national veteran’s cemetery getting pre-approval is an easy step. Go to the VA page and look up pre need approval. I hope to be around for a long while yet but got approved for a Veteran Cemetery in Bushnell, Fl. Intent was to reduce the burden and stress on my family should I 810.
I hope this is helpful for your future planning, you never know when you’ll need it.
Thanks for this informative post Randy. I will be buried in the Gerald B. Soloman (former Marine and Congressman) National Cemetery, with my wife's ashes with me. The cemetery is adjacent to the Saratoga Battlefield where the "turning point" of the American Revolution took place. Beautiful area near the Hudson River. I have attended several military funerals there and the historic Saratoga Battlefield Museum is nearby, which includes a self-guided tour through the entire battlefield.
I will definitely take advantage of the VA Legacy Memorial.
Take care Randy and perhaps we'll meet again, either at the 75th IUSS Anniversary - or beyond.
Dee
Dee, that sounds like a beautiful place and it’s nice that your bride’s ashes can be there with yours. It’s the same here even if she goes before me….God forbid!
Take care, my friend.
R~
Randy, with great disappointment, it presently appears that I am not going to be an exception to the "aging rule" as I have for so long hoped would be the case. Marcy and I are pre-approved for a national veterans's cemetery with a preference for Tallahassee which is about halfway between central Florida and SE Alabama where we are planning to soon relocate. Our son, a U.S. Army CWO4 assigned to Fort Rucker, and his family reside there. We love central Florida and have enjoyed our stay here but felt it was time to move on (with some persuasion from our son). God bless you, Dee Dematties, and our shipmates who are approaching their sunset years. Ben :flag-us:
Ben, I wasn’t sure if you were talking in terms of health issues or just needing to be closer to your son as time catches up with us. Remind me where you are here in central Florida? We just moved to Sorrento, Fl from Leesburg Fl, not far from Mt Dora, Apopka, etc, and just 35 mins from our son in Maitland (adjacent to Orlando) Sorrento is rural and quiet and we like it a lot.
I think it’s wise to do some things ahead of time, such as getting pre-approval from VA Cemeteries. It’s acknowledgement of the aging issue but also looking out for your family. The awful crash in DC this week certainly proves tomorrow is a luxury. I’m sure Tallahassee is a beautiful place, as is the location Dee described. Take care!
Randy, We are in DeLand and have often passed by Sorrento on SR 44 on our way to the Mason Jar restaurant in Dona Vista which is on route 19 North between Eustis and Umatilla. They have great Southern Fried Chicken and biscuits two or three days a week (Sundays for sure). We have not been there in four or five months, however. If you are interested, perhaps Marcy and I could meet you guys there for lunch or breakfast, or at another restaurant of your choosing. We'll be in Alabama for about a week. Best regards, Ben.
Thanks Randy, Ive been wondering about this myself and what the process might be. I would like my and my wifes ashes to go to Arlington which, from what information Ive been able to find, should be doable. Have you come across any information regarding that process? Hope all is well with you and yours.
Jack
