Honoring Service with Dignity

Since Forest Lawn’s founding in 1885, we have demonstrated our commitment to veterans and their families. We understand the duty and sacrifice that is at the heart of your service in the United States Armed Forces and the proud connection to the branch of the military in which you served – Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines, Coast Guard and Space Force.

Forest Lawn professional staff is knowledgeable and experienced in guiding you through the veterans benefits that are available to you, including special ceremonies and recognition. In addition, we offer special pricing and benefits to eligible veterans for gravesites, headstones, services and family placement. We can also assist with Social Security benefits that help with final arrangements.

Gravesite Services and Committal

There are several benefits available to veterans and their families through Forest Lawn. These provide veterans with the recognition they deserve and are available at a time of loss or as part of your pre-planning arrangements. These include:

  • Complimentary gravesite (up to $2,000)
  • Military headstone or marker
  • Discounted grave opening and closing
  • Discounted grave liner
  • Family-next-to-family placement and family estates
  • Price protection guarantee for children and grandchildren

Military funeral honors ceremony

Part of the graveside service, the military funeral honors ceremony is a time-honored tradition. This includes an honor guard detail of at least two members of the armed forces, one representing the service branch of the deceased veteran. The ceremony also includes the folding and presentation of the United States flag, the playing of “Taps.” A three-rifle volley can also be part of this ceremony. Arrangements need to be made in advance.

Applying for veteran benefits

Certain veteran benefits must be requested by the veteran or family. Forest Lawn is able to assist. You will need to provide military documentation including the DD 214 Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty. In addition, Forest Lawn has created a form to help you with key details and dates, click here.

Other military recognition

Families and veterans can also request a presidential memorial certificate signed by the current president, headstones and markers – or a gravesite bronze medallion for privately purchased headstones, along with medals, awards and decorations specific to the veteran’s military service branch division.

Pre-planning for veterans

Being prepared is an important part of the military experience. Pre-planning is one way to do this, and Forest Lawn is a great place to start. Talk to us about details you may be considering – rather than leaving it to those you leave behind. We can walk you through the process so you’re comfortable with the decisions you make. In addition to veteran benefits, Forest Lawn also offers additional benefits to veterans and spouses who plan ahead

Thank You for Your Service.

Forest Lawn is the final resting place of veterans from every U.S. war and conflict, except the Revolutionary War. This includes the remains of four Medal of Honor recipients. We are proud to serve veterans and their families here at Forest Lawn.