Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery has resumed committal services for families who are burying their loved ones. Since March 23, 2020 the cemetery discontinued committal services and military funeral honors because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We are pleased to resume committal services and military funeral honors at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery,” said cemetery director Aubrey David. “We will also soon be contacting families who chose direct interments to schedule memorial services and military funeral honors, if desired. We appreciate the patience and understanding families have shown during the COVID-19 pandemic and are eager to begin returning to normal operations.”
Families with interments scheduled on or after June 9, 2020 will be offered the option of a committal service at the time of burial. Military funeral honors will be based on local availability. Meanwhile, committal and memorial services will be limited to 10 family members and guests at the service.
Families may continue to choose a direct interment without a service and opt for a memorial service later when all restrictions have been lifted.
Memorial services for veterans and eligible family members who were interred without a committal service between March 23 and June 8 will commence in July. Cemetery representatives will soon be contacting families in the coming weeks to discuss their options and schedule a memorial service, if desired. Families can also contact the National Cemetery Scheduling Office or the cemetery directly to schedule a memorial service after June 29.
For more information, visit the National Cemetery Adminstration (NCA) website. To make burial arrangements or schedule a memorial service at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery or any VA national cemetery, contact the National Cemetery Scheduling Office at (800) 535-1117.