Veterans' Services

 Veterans' Bonuses

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts provides a bonus to veterans who were domiciled in Massachusetts immediately prior to entry in the armed forces. In case of the death of a veteran, the spouse and children, mother or father, brother or sister or other dependents of the deceased veteran (in that order) are eligible for a bonus. Eligible Veterans: World War I, World War II, Korean, Vietnam, Persian Gulf Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Noble Eagle, (spouses, children, parents, and siblings). Contact the Whitman Veteran's office for further information or click on: Welcome Home Bonus.

Burial Benefits

Veterans, service members, and dependents are eligible for burial in one of the VA's national cemeteries. The VA Cemetery closest to Whitman is the Bourne National Cemetery. An eligible veteran must have been discharge or separated from active duty under conditions other than dishonorable and have completed the required period of service. In addition to qualified veterans, federal legislation passed in 1992 known as Public Law 102-547, extends eligibility for burial in national cemeteries to persons who have 20 years of service creditable for retired pay as members of reserve components in the armed forces. The law also provides burial flags, and grave markers to veterans with 20 qualified years of service.

Burial in State Veterans' Cemeteries

The Massachusetts Department of Veterans' Services and the Massachusetts legislature are currently working on the construction of two (2) state veterans' cemeteries. One site is in Agawam, MA, one is proposed for central Massachusetts. The burial criteria will mirror that for the National Veterans' Cemeteries along with any "home rule" adjustments allowed.