SEE UPDATED OCTOBER 12, 2020 VETERANS CEMETERY GUIDELINES
The safety and well-being of North Carolina’s veterans, their families, and our staff is the number one priority of the NC Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.
In response to Governor Cooper’s Executive Order and preparedness plan to slow the spread of COVID-19, the NCDMVA has implemented the following policies and procedures at all of our service offices, veterans homes, and memorial cemeteries.
All NCDMVA offices, veterans homes, and cemeteries, will operate at reduced capacity until further notice. Our service offices are taking appointments on an individual basis for immediate emergency needs only. Walk-ins are prohibited. All offices are operational, but veterans should call their local facility for assistance. Our service officers are prepared to help veterans via remote delivery services by phone and other electronic means. To find a local office, please visit this link NCDMVA Offices.
In person visits at our veterans homes are suspended, with accommodations provided in exceptional cases by management on an individual basis. NCDMVA is encouraging visitors to communicate with veterans home personnel and family members via video conferences and or telephone. Modified operational procedures are in place to ensure the safety and health of all residents and staff at our veterans homes.
Currently, all NCDMVA memorial cemeteries continue to remain open for burials. At this time, visitation of the cemetery grounds is permitted, however, public committal services are suspended. Walk-Ins are not permitted at cemetery offices. Families should call staff at the cemeteries for assistance with burials. For more information regarding burials or eligibility, please click here to contact the cemetery staff.
Please note that the NCDMVA may implement additional changes to operations and procedures as this public health crisis continues to develop. NCDMVA will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates on a continuing basis.
For more information about North Carolina’s response to COVID-19, visit NC 2-1-1 and https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/public-health/coronavirus-disease-2019….
October 12, 2020 Veterans Cemetery Update
Interments scheduled on or after June 11, will be offered the option of a committal service at the time of interment. Military funeral honors, customarily provided by the Department of Defense and volunteer honor guards, will be based on local availability.
Listed below are guidelines to follow until further notice. Please advise your local funeral homes regarding these changes.
- Services are 30 minutes, Monday – Friday, at 10am, 12pm, 2pm. Family and attendees must exit the cemetery at the conclusion of the service.
- Caskets & urns must be thoroughly disinfected before entering the cemetery.
- Up to 25 attendees are permitted at committal services. This does not include funeral staff or Military Honor Guards.
- Cemetery chairs or podium will not be placed at the committal area.
- Next of Kin information will be given to funeral staff.
- Attendees aren’t permitted to handle or touch caskets or urns before, during or after the service.
- Attendees not of the same household must maintain a physical distance of 6 feet from each other. Masks and frequent use of hand sanitizer are required. Sick individuals are asked not to attend.
- Cemetery directors have the authority and responsibility to maintain a safe environment at the cemetery for visitors and employees. As such, if a family member or attendee refuses to follow safety measures at the committal shelter, the cemetery will not conduct the committal service.
- Funeral flower arrangements are not permitted to be left during the committal service, but, families or funeral staff may place one arrangement after all services for the day.
- Attendees must depart the cemetery at half past the hour.
- Families may continue to choose direct interment and opt for a memorial service at later date when restrictions have been lifted.