Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs

Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery -
at Birdeye

3600 Hwy 163
Birdeye, Arkansas 72324
(870) 588-4608
(870) 588-4666 Fax
Email
Map to the Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery in Birdeye

Administrative Operating Hours:
Monday-Friday
7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Interments will be held on weekdays only.
No Interments on Saturday, Sunday or Holidays.

	For Funeral Directors	Gravesite Locator

	VA Burial Benefits	Gravesite Locator with Smart Phone

The cemetery, located in the community of Birdeye, east of Cherry Valley in Cross County, will be the final resting place for veterans, their spouses and dependents. It is the second Veterans Cemetery operated by the state.

The 100 acre property was purchased by the state in 2008. Construction began in the Fall of 2010 following a groundbreaking ceremony with Governor Mike Beebe. The first interment was conducted earlier this month when Colonel Thomas Blake, an Air Force veteran, was laid to rest. Blake led a committee of individuals in selecting the land to build the cemetery.

Veterans, family members, veteran service organization members, community members, and funeral home directors are encouraged to visit this cemetery. Burial pre-arrangements are encouraged.

GRAVESITE AND NICHE LOCATIONS:

Gravesite and niche locations cannot be reserved. Assignment of graves and niches are without regard to military rank, race, creed, or gender of the qualifying service member and are assigned by next available location.

COLUMBARIUMS:

Niches are available for entombment of cremations. The eligibility requirements and costs are the same as full size grave spaces. The niche covers are not big enough for the same amount of inscription as the upright headstones, so there is no space for additional inscription. Internal size is 15" H x 20" L x 10 1/2" W.

INTERMENT ELIGIBILITY:

Veterans and Members of the Armed Forces:

Must be discharged under conditions other than dishonorable.
Any member of the Armed Forces of the United States who dies on active duty.
Any veteran who was discharged under conditions other than dishonorable. With certain exceptions, service beginning after Sept. 7, 1980, as an enlisted person, and service after
Oct. 16, 1981, as an officer, must be for a minimum 24 continuous months or the full period for which the person was called to active duty.

National Guardsman or Reservist:

Eligible for retirement pay at age 60; or
Members called to active duty for 2 years or more, (does not have to be consecutive) or completed the full period for which they were called up.
Members who die under honorable conditions or while hospitalized or undergoing treatment, at the expense of the United States, for injury or disease contracted or incurred while performing active duty for training.
Members who die under honorable conditions while performing full time AGR service.
Members who receive a Hardship Discharge while on active duty.
Members discharged due to a service-connected disability while on active duty.

Others:

Commissioned Officers of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Commissioned Officers of the Regular or Reserve Corps of the Public Health Service,
WWII Merchant Mariners, and Philippine Armed Forces. (see the federal guidelines)

Veteran's Dependents:

The veteran's spouse.
Unmarried child, (under the age of 21or 23 if still enrolled in school); or
A verifiable life-long dependent of the veteran.

We follow federal guidelines in determining eligibility for burial.

WHO IS NOT ELIGIBLE:

Former spouses whose marriage to an eligible veteran was terminated by divorce.
Any veteran convicted of a federal or state crime. This also includes those veterans who commit capital crimes but avoid conviction due to death or flight.

WHAT PAPERWORK IS NECESSARY:

To pre-register, the following forms must be provided:

Veteran's military discharge papers (DD-214 or equivalent).
Signed cemetery pre-eligibility application:
Application for Interment in the Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery, Birdeye
Marriage License (if married).
Check for $300 (spouse and dependent only) payable at the time of burial.

STATE CEMETERY INTERMENT BENEFITS:

No cost for veteran interment ($300 for spouse or qualified dependent).
Gravesite, opening and closing of grave and perpetual care.
Upright federal government supplied headstone or niche cover.
A Presidential Memorial Certificate (more than one may be requested).
A burial flag (funeral home provides).
Military honors (funeral home makes arrangements).

FOR FUNERAL HOME USE:

Funeral homes may use the following forms for interment in the Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery. Please fax to (870) 588-4666.

RULES AND REGULATIONS:

Fresh Cut Flowers: May be placed on graves at any time. Cemetery personnel will remove and discard flowers which have become withered, faded, or otherwise unsightly.
Grave Side Flowers

Artificial Flowers: Are permitted on graves from October 15 - April 15.

Flower Containers: Temporary flower containers are provided by the cemetery and may be found in bins located at the side of the administration building and beside the floral regulation signs located in Sections A & I. Permanent flower containers are not permitted.

Columbarium Flowers: All niche flowers should follow the guidelines under the section of Flowers and Artificial Flowers. Niche flowers may be placed on the ground below the niches. Any items that are place directly on the niches or columbariums will be removed and disposed of by cemetery personnel.

Christmas Season: Christmas wreaths, Christmas plants, Christmas trees (plants and Christmas trees are limited in height - maximum of 24 inches), floral blankets (maximum size is 2 feet by 3 feet), or flowers will be permitted on graves from December 1- January 15.

The Wreaths Across America ceremony is held each year on the second Saturday in December, at 11:00 a.m. (CST). Wreaths have been placed by the Patriot Guard Riders of Arkansas and various veterans' representatives during past ceremonies. Wreaths Across America

Easter Season: Potted plants and artificial arrangement will be permitted on graves 10 days before and 10 days after Easter Sunday.

Memorial Day: Gravesites will be decorated with small American Flags placed by Rolling Thunder and scout troops. These flags will be removed immediately after Memorial Day. The Avenue of Flags will also be on display.

Veterans Day: Gravesites will be decorated with small American Flags placed by Rolling Thunder and scout troops. These flags will be removed immediately after Veterans Day. The Avenue of Flags will also be on display.

Unauthorized Decorations: Statues, permanent plantings, pictures, balloons, vigil lights, and breakable items of any kind are not permitted.