Eligibility
Q. Who is eligible for interment at Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemeteries (MVMC)?
A. Eligibility is based on the Veteran's military service. For a detailed listing of eligibility criteria, please visit (https://www.cem.va.gov/burial_benefits/eligible.asp) or contact our staff directly.
Q. What documentation is required for interment at MVMC?
A. To schedule interment, we require a signed application for interment, all military discharge papers (DD214), proof of marriage (if applicable), and identity verification documents (ID, birth certificate, etc.) matching the Veteran's paperwork.
Q. How is eligibility determined for interment?
A. Our staff conducts a determination of eligibility once the required paperwork is submitted. Families or funeral homes will be notified if the person is eligible for interment or not. Only eligible individuals will be interred.
Preparing for the Future
Q. What services are provided at Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemeteries?
A. MVMC offers perpetual care of the landscaped grounds and gravesites, an indoor committal chapel for interment services, professional and courteous staff, volunteer Honor Guard Firing Detail, and upright granite headstones or niche covers for all interments.
Q. Are there any costs associated with interment at MVMC?
A. Veterans are interred at no cost, while spouse and dependent fees are capped at $300.
Q. What are the operating hours for MVMC grounds and offices?
A. The grounds are open from 7:00 am until dusk, seven days a week, 365 days a year. The office is open on weekdays from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm.
Q. When are committal services held, and how can they be scheduled?
A. Committal services are held on weekdays on the hour, by appointment made in advance. Please contact our offices directly to arrange these services.
Q. Are special ceremonies held at MVMC?
A. Yes, special ceremonies are held on Memorial Day and Veterans Day at MVMC Winchendon at 9 am and MVMC Agawam at 1 pm.
Q. Can graveside services be conducted at MVMC?
A. No, graveside services are not permitted due to safety reasons. All committal services take place in our climate-controlled chapel.
Q. How many services are conducted at MVMC each week?
A. We conduct between 20 and 35 services each week, Monday through Friday (except holidays), with up to 6 services each day.
Public Ceremonies
Q: Are there any annual ceremonies held at MVMC Winchendon that are open to the public?
A: Yes, the Cemeteries hosts both Veterans Day and Memorial Day Ceremonies each year, along with an annual Wreaths Across America Day placing event each December.