Missouri Veteran Cemetery at Springfield, Missouri. Honoring our Veterans for their service and sacrifice.
From the initial concept of a Veterans cemetery program, one operational philosophy has remained constant; to honor our Veterans for their service and sacrifice.
The Missouri State Veterans Cemetery in Springfield is the result of a partnership between the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Missouri Veterans Commission. Realizing the National Cemetery in Springfield would soon approach full capacity, plans were made to ensure Veterans in southwest Missouri would have access to a Veterans cemetery. The result was the establishment of the Missouri State Veterans Cemetery at Springfield, with the first interment conducted on 10 January 2000. Situated on 60 tranquil acres, the cemetery has an approximate capacity of 30,000 gravesites. The cemetery also contains two attractive columbarium areas for the placement of cremains. The cemetery facilities include a committal shelter, administration and maintenance area, and paved walkways with benches for rest and meditation.
Our mission is to provide interment for veterans and their eligible dependents in a dignified, efficient, and compassionate manner as a tribute to deserving veterans who served their country in the U.S. armed forces.
Pre-registering your eligibility is not necessary, but highly recommended. This eliminates a delay in scheduling a service when it comes time to do so in the future. Open the attached link, save and/or print the document. Fill in the information requested, and return to the Missouri State Veterans Cemetery Springfield at 5201 S. Southwood Springfield, MO 65804. Include a copy of your discharge, and marriage certificate, if married. Please note that the wall hanger certificate is not the discharge. Your discharge will have your dates of service, highest rank, birthdate, and social security number on it.
Eligibility criteria for burial
The Veteran must have been discharged from active duty under conditions other than dishonorable and have completed the required period of service as required by law.
Death of the Veteran occurred while on active duty.
After 7 September 1980 for enlisted and after 16 October 1981 for officers, the individual must have served 24 consecutive months on active duty or the full period for which called to active duty.
Reservists or members of the National Guard who are eligible for retired pay as a result of 20 years creditable service are entitled to interment in a Missouri State Veterans Cemetery. Reservists and members of the National Guard who are called to active duty by Presidential Executive Order and who satisfactorily complete the period for which they are called to duty are also eligible.
There is no residency requirement for interment in a Missouri Veterans Cemetery.
U.S. Citizens who served in the armed forces of a government allied with the United States during wartime may also be eligible.
If you are unsure of your eligibility status, please contact the Missouri State Veterans Cemetery Springfield at (417)823-3944
NOTE: Any Veteran convicted of a federal or state capital crime is barred from burial in a Missouri State Veterans Cemetery. This prohibition also includes those Veterans who commit capital crimes but avoid conviction due to death or flight.
NOTE: Former spouses whose marriage to an eligible Veteran was terminated by divorce are not eligible for burial in a Missouri Veterans cemetery.
http://mvc.dps.mo.gov/docs/cemeteries/precertification.pdf
The Missouri Veterans Commission’s (MVC) social media pages allow MVC to share and discuss information about MVC programs and activities as well as other information that might be of valuable service to Veterans, Active Duty Military, National Guard, Reserves, and their families. We invite anyone with an interest in Veterans issues in Missouri to share information, ask advice or questions, and leave feedback, comments, and opinions.
We ask that you follow our posting guidelines to ensure this site becomes a place where everyone feels welcome. MVC will remove comments that contain any of the following:
• Graphic, obscene, explicit, or racial comments or suggestions
• Comments that are threatening, abusive, hateful, or intended to defame anyone or any organization
• Solicitations or advertisements, including the promotion or endorsement of any financial, commercial, or non-governmental agency
• Comments that suggest or encourage illegal activity
• Comments that are not directly related to Veterans or military topics
• Comments promoting or opposing any person campaigning for election to a political office or promoting or opposing any ballot proposition.
• Comments that promote or advertise a business or commercial transaction
• Comments that include personal identifying information specific to a pending VA claim or current or former MVC employee grievance – such issues should be submitted through proper channels.
Links to noncommercial sites relevant to Veterans and military are welcome, but do not constitute official endorsement on behalf of MVC or the State of Missouri.
Communications made through social media will in no way constitute a legal or official notice or comment to MVC or any official or employee of MVC for any purpose.
No cost benefits:
1) Burial space.
2) Opening and closing of the grave.
3) Concrete grave liner.
4) Upright granite headstone.
5) Perpetual care.
6) Full military honors for the veteran.
7) Those who choose cremation have the option of in-ground burial or interment within the columbarium wall.
