Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery
The Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery - Little Falls is a VA Grant-Funded Cemetery.[1] located 7 miles north of the town of Little Falls, Minnesota in Morrison County, Minnesota, Minnesota[2]. The cemetery is adjacent to but across the Mississippi River from Camp Ripley, a military and civilian training facility operated by the Minnesota National Guard. The cemetery was opened for burials and interment in June 1994 [3] [2]. This cemetery is now the final resting place for over 1,500 veterans and their eligible family members [3].
Eligibility for Burial
To establish the Veteran's eligibility, a copy of the Veteran's military discharge document or a DD214 must be provided. If these documents are not available, the cemetery must be provided with sufficient military information to allow the cemetery to access federal U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and/or military records to establish eligibility[2]. Members of the National Guard and Reservists who have served at least 20 years are also eligible for burial, provided they meet Minnesota residency requirements [3].
VA Grant-Funded Cemeteries have similar requirements to those operated by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs national cemeteries[4] [5]. However, there may be additional proof of residency requirements. This cemetery was established or improved with Government funds through VA's Veteran Cemetery Grants Program, for state, territory and tribal veterans cemeteries are operated and maintained by the state of Minnesota but must conform to VA guidelines[1] [6].
Cost for Burial
Veterans
Veterans can be placed in the cemetery for no cost. The cemetery will provide the Grave or Columbarium Niche, a pre-placed grave liner, Headstone or niche marker, and perpetual care [2].
Spouse of Eligible Dependent
The cost for spouse or eligible dependent burial or interment, as of March 2025, is $978 for all burial options. The fees are subject to change [2].
Committal Services
The Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery at Little Falls can hold seven committal services per weekday on a first-come, first-served basis. Services can be held between the hours of 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Each service is limited to 20 minutes. Services are held in a specified committal service building, rather than at the gravesite. This ensures the attendees' safety and provides an appropriate location for military honors[2]. Services are not provided on weekends or State Holidays.
Casket Burial
As stated in Cost for Burial, a grave liner is provided by the cemetery. There is also the option of traditional gravesites for those who have chosen to purchase a sealed burial vault from their funeral director [2].
Cremation - In-ground interment
This option provides a "traditional" burial option for cremated remains. These sites are marked with an upright granite headstone [2].
Cremation - Columbarium
This option provides an above-ground interment place for cremated remains. "Columbarium niches are marked with a granite niche cover." [2]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 "National Cemetery Administration". Find a Cemetery by State. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 2.8 "Memorials and Burials". Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 "Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery". Visit Little Falls. Little Falls Area Chamber of Commerce and the Little Falls Convention and Visitors Bureau.
- ↑ "National Cemetery Administration". National Cemetery Administration. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
- ↑ "Apply for pre-need eligibility determination". VA.gov. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
- ↑ "Veterans Cemetery Grants Program". VA.gov. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
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