Plan Today, Honor Forever: Helping Veterans and Families Prepare with Peace of Mind
November 6, 2025
At Arlington Memorial Gardens, we are deeply committed to honoring those who have served our country. One of the most meaningful ways to do this is by ensuring that veterans and their families understand—and can easily access—the benefits they have earned through their service.
The National Cemetery Administration (NCA), part of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, has launched “Plan Today, Honor Forever,” a national campaign designed to raise awareness of VA burial and memorial benefits and encourage veterans to plan ahead.
Why Awareness and Planning Matter
Many veterans and their families are unaware of the full range of burial and memorial benefits available to them. These benefits can include burial in a VA national cemetery, memorial headstones, markers, or medallions, burial allowances, and more.
By planning ahead, veterans can:
- Confirm eligibility through the VA’s Pre-Need Burial Eligibility Application, which takes less than 10 minutes to complete online. LEARN MORE
- Ease the emotional and financial burden on loved ones by making key decisions in advance.
- Ensure their final wishes are honored and their service is commemorated with dignity.
- Learn how VA benefits can be applied to both national and private cemeteries, including Arlington Memorial Gardens. LEARN MORE
The NCA’s campaign encourages veterans and their families to explore these benefits early, turning uncertainty into peace of mind.
Helpful Tools and New Resources
The NCA has created a variety of materials to help families learn more and take the next step:
- Find a Cemetery Tool: Use Cem.VA.gov/Find-Cemetery to explore VA cemeteries nationwide.
- Pre-Need Burial Eligibility Application: Apply now to determine eligibility for burial in a VA national cemetery. This secure, online process takes less than 10 minutes and provides clarity and confidence for you and your family. LEARN MORE
- How to Apply for Pre-Need Burial Eligibility Video: Step-by-step guidance to make applying simple and stress-free. WATCH VIDEO
Benefits for Families Choosing Private Cemeteries
For families who wish to be laid to rest in a private setting, such as Arlington Memorial Gardens, the NCA also offers memorial benefits at private cemeteries. Veterans may be eligible for:
- Government-furnished headstones or markers
- Presidential Memorial Certificates
- Commemorative Urns and Plaques that permanently honor military service
These benefits ensure that every veteran—whether interred in a national or private cemetery—is recognized for their service and sacrifice.
Arlington’s Commitment to Veterans
At Arlington Memorial Gardens, we proudly partner with veterans and their families to help them plan with confidence and honor with heart. Our Family Advisors are available to:
- Explain how VA benefits integrate with Arlington’s services.
- Assist with paperwork or questions about pre-planning.
- Create a personalized memorial plan that reflects each veteran’s story and legacy.
Planning ahead is a gift of peace—for you, and for those who love you.
Call us at 513-521-7003 or visit amgardens.org to schedule a conversation with one of our Family Advisors. Together, we can help you Plan Today and Honor Forever.
