Families have three options for laying their loved one to rest in Idaho: two state veteran cemeteries in Boise & Blackfoot and one national cemetery in Buhl.
National cemeteries are operated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, while state cemeteries—though sometimes established or improved with national government funds—are managed by the local state government.
Eligibility for burial and inurnment at the Idaho State Veterans Cemetery (ISVC) follows the National Cemetery Administration guidelines and Idaho law. Generally, an honorably discharged veteran who served on active duty before September 7, 1980, is eligible. For service after September 7, 1980, veterans must have completed at least 24 months of active duty or a federally ordered deployment to qualify. Exceptions apply, including for members of Reserve Components, Reserve Officers’ Training Corps, or those with “other than dishonorable” discharges under certain conditions. All service members are encouraged to apply, and we will determine eligibility. Residency in Idaho is not required.
No, a spouse (or dependent) who meet the eligibility criteria can be interred at the veteran’s cemetery.
No, the veteran is entitled to the burial plot. However, if the veteran is predeceased by a spouse, the spouse (or eligible dependent) is entitled to immediate interment.
Each veteran is entitled to one plot, which can be shared with a spouse (or eligible dependent). So yes, you will be together.
Female Veterans married to a Veteran are entitled to their own separate grave, headstone or marker, burial flag and Presidential Memorial Certificate. However, they may choose to be buried in the same gravesite as their spouse.
When scheduling a burial at an Idaho State Veterans Cemetery, we address each family’s request with the utmost consideration and professionalism.
First, the family or funeral home should submit the “Request for Burial” along with all required documents in person, via email, or by fax for review. We recommend gathering all necessary documentation before attempting to schedule the service. The cemetery staff will need to confirm the decedent’s eligibility for burial. Any requested documents can be emailed to BoiseCemetery@veterans.idaho.gov or BlackfootCemetery@veterans.idaho.gov.
The required documents are:
• DD214 (or service equivalent), with an honorable character of service, to establish eligibility for the eligible service member.
• Marriage certificate, if applicable.
• Documents for the person authorized to direct disposition and act on behalf of the primary next of kin, if applicable, should be provided.
It is the family’s responsibility to provide the service member’s eligibility documents. A service will not be scheduled until all required documents have been received. Instructions on how to make an emergency records request.
Scheduling military funeral services at an ISVC is influenced by factors such as the type of remains, plot location, and the preferences of the individual family. We strive to communicate effectively with families at each step of the process to help them understand their options.
If you have not received a call within 24-hours of submission, please contact the Boise office at 208-780-1340 or Blackfoot at 208-701-7161.
A United States flag is provided at no cost to drape the casket or accompany the urn of a deceased service member who served honorably in the United States Armed Forces. This flag is typically supplied through a funeral services provider to honor the memory of the veteran. According to the law, only one flag may be issued per veteran.
Please see the following pages for detailed information:
The ISVC will provide the amount, as there are several factors to consider.
The ISVC does not provide transportation to funerals. Attendees must arrange their own transportation.
The U.S. government will provide, at no cost, an upright granite headstone, flat marker, or niche cover for the plot of the deceased veteran or spouse. ISVC staff will place the order with the National Cemetery Administration. The order will include the appropriate inscription and the choice of an optional emblem. The marker’s design template will be finalized with cemetery staff on the day of the interment, and the next of kin will review the proposed marker cover text template before the order is submitted.
For interments that are ineligible for a USDVA-provided marker under the Burial Equity Act, the Administrator will charge a fee for the plot marker. The order for the marker will include the appropriate inscription and the choice of an optional emblem. The template will be finalized with cemetery staff on the day of the interment, and the next of kin will review the proposed marker text before the order is submitted.
To locate a grave or place of inurnment:
If visiting in person, you may also inquire with staff at the cemetery office.
• Fresh cut flowers may be placed on graves at any time. ISVC provides portable temporary cones for flowers that the public may use. These cones can be found at locations throughout the cemetery.
• Permanent flower containers and planting of flowers and shrubs are prohibited.
The niche is 10″ wide by 14″ high by 19″ deep which accommodates two urns. We ask you subtract 1″ from the height and width of each urn to ensure it fits (9″ x 13″ x 9″).