At Bohlender Funeral Home in Fort Collins, we take pride in honoring and commemorating the lives of our veterans through our specialized Veterans Memorial Services. Our commitment to providing dignified and respectful tributes extends to our comprehensive veteran services, ensuring that those who served our country receive the recognition and gratitude they deserve. Learn more about our veterans memorial services below, and contact us today .

Many of us take our freedoms for granted, but our staff proudly acknowledges the sacrifices made by those who have served our country through their patriotism, love of country and willingness to protect others. We are committed to providing quality service and professional assistance to help families complete the necessary forms to obtain benefits that are provided through the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Here are some frequently-asked questions about benefits. What kinds of benefits are available? Granted to eligible Veterans in appreciation for the service they have provided for our country, benefits can include a burial allowance to help cover the burial, funeral and transportation costs associated with the deceased’s services and disposition. For those being buried in a national cemetery, survivors can receive assistance with the burial and funeral costs, the plot or internment, and the transporting of the veteran’s remains for burial. Additionally, Veterans may be eligible for a military funeral honors and committal service, and memorial items such as a cemetery headstone, marker, medallion, Presidential Memorial Certificate, plaque, or urn. Specific qualifications will need to be met to receive these benefits and memorial items. Who qualifies for burial benefits and burial in a national cemetery? Veterans, service members, spouses, and dependents may be eligible for burial in a VA national cemetery, as well as other benefits, if they meet one of the general requirements listed below. For complete requirements, please visit the VA burials and benefits page , and find a local VA national cemetery here . · A veteran who didn’t receive a dishonorable discharge · A service member who died while on active duty, active duty for training, or inactive duty for training · The spouse or minor child of a veteran, even if the veteran died first · In some cases, the unmarried adult dependent child of a veteran What are military funeral honors and a committal service? Military funeral honors include the playing of “Taps,” a rifle detail, a color guard and uniformed service members who properly fold and present the United States flag to the grieving family. These flags are typically given to the deceased’s next of kin or close friend. In order for the survivors to qualify to receive the burial flag, the veteran or reservist must be described by at least one of the following: · Served in wartime · Died while serving on active duty after May 27, 1941 · Served after January 31, 1955 · Served in peacetime and left military service before June 27, 1950, after serving at least one enlistment or because of a disability that was caused - or made worse - by their active military service · Served in the Selected Reserves, or served in the military forces of the Philippines while in service of the United States and died on or after April 25, 1951. As a Veteran, how do I apply for benefits? You can apply to find out in advance if you’re eligible for burial in a VA national cemetery. This is called a pre-need determination of eligibility—and it can help make the burial planning process easier for your family members in their time of need. Learn how to apply for a preneed determination of eligibility. As a surviving family member, how do I apply for benefits? As a surviving family member, you must file a claim for a non-service-connected burial allowance within two years after the veteran’s burial or cremation. There is no time limit to file for a service-connected burial, plot or interment allowance. You can apply online or by mail after completing the VA Form 21P-530. A veteran who didn’t receive a dishonorable discharge or a service member who died while on active duty may be eligible for a headstone or marker if they meet certain requirements. To find out if your deceased loved one qualifies for a cemetery marker and to apply, visit this site . For more information regarding VA burial benefits and memorial items, visit the VA's website or call the VA office at 1-800-827-1000.

You and your loved one may be eligible for certain benefits from the Veterans Administration. To honor their service and dedication to our country, burial and cemetery benefits are available for each eligible veteran, their spouses and dependents. These benefits include a military funeral honors ceremony at a funeral or memorial service, a burial flag, burial at a national veterans' cemetery and a veterans' cemetery marker. Some veterans are eligible for a monetary benefit towards burial at a private cemetery. Our staff will work with the Veterans Administration to assist you in obtaining these benefits. More information can be found at the links below. General Information How to get a copy of discharge papers required to apply for benefits List of National Veterans Cemeteries List of State Veterans Cemeteries

A long-standing tradition in our country is special benefits earned by those who have served in the armed forces. The Department of Veteran Affairs takes special care to pay lasting tribute to the memory of Veterans who served and sacrificed. Veterans in every branch of the armed forces and their families are entitled to burial and funeral benefits.

The Department of Veterans Affairs provides a government headstone or marker for any eligible veteran at no cost. If the burial takes place in a national cemetery, the marker will be set into place at no charge. A fee may be required by a state veterans’ cemetery. If burial takes place in a private cemetery, there will be a fee for setting the marker. Flat bronze, marble and granite markers are available, along with granite or marble upright monuments and bronze plaques to mark the inurnment of cremated remains. Cemeteries have their own rules and regulations about what kinds of markers they will accept, so the style of marker selected must be approved by your cemetery. Our staff will assist you with ordering the marker and placing it in the cemetery. If you purchase a cemetery marker privately, the Department of Veterans Affairs will provide a bronze medallion that can be attached to the marker signifying the veteran’s status. There is a medallion available for each branch of the service. General Information Eligibility Types of markers available

Memorial Day is a very important day for many Americans. It is a day to honor the men and women in the military who gave their lives while serving our country. This day is often especially important to your senior loved ones. Because of this, they likely want to do something that helps them to honor this day and show their appreciation.