BUSHNELL, Fla. – Ten years ago, the National Cemetery Association conducted a survey asking veteran’s opinions on what was missing at memorial or burial sites.
Nearly half of the respondents agreed that the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs should offer an environmentally friendly burial option, according to a news release.
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In November, natural or “green” burial sections were opened at three cemeteries across the U.S. with one of being the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell. The others are in Colorado and Arizona.
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There are 222 sites available at the natural burial section in the Bushnell cemetery, according to the news release.
“NCA is pleased to begin offering this new option to Veterans and their family members eligible for interment in a VA national cemetery,” Ronald E. Walters, VA’s acting under secretary for memorial affairs, said.. “It reflects our commitment to understand and address the emerging burial preferences of Veterans and their loved ones.”
According to the Green Burial Council’s website, a cemetery that doesn’t use vaults, herbicides, pesticides and fertilizers are considered natural.
Other criteria to be considered a green burial site include choosing biodegradable caskets or urns and preparing the body for burial without using chemicals or embalming fluids, the news release states.
Meanwhile, this is a pilot program, and the VA is going to develop a plan to offer a green burial site at other cemeteries, according to its website.
To learn more about this program click here.