Veterans Cemetery
The South Dakota State Veterans Cemetery is the first federally funded, state-owned and operated veteran’s cemetery in South Dakota. Its official dedication date was Memorial Day 2021. The first veterans were laid to rest on June 4, 2021.
What is Provided
* Gravesite or Columbarium Niche
* Pre-placed Grave Liner (Standard Size)
* Headstone/Niche Cover
* Perpetual Care
Cost
Veteran
$0 (all burial options)
Spouse
$978 (all burial options)
*Fees for spouse/eligible dependents cannot be prepaid and are subject to change.
Burial Arrangements
The funeral director or the next of kin makes burial arrangements for an eligible Veteran, spouse or dependent at the time of need by contacting the South Dakota Veterans Cemetery. A spouse or dependent is buried based upon the eligibility of the Veteran. To establish the Veteran's eligibility, a copy of the Veteran's military discharge document or a DD214 must be provided. If these documents are not available, the cemetery must be provided with sufficient military information to allow the cemetery to access federal U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and/or military records to establish eligibility. The cemetery staff will set a tentative date for the committal service pending verification of service and character of discharge, and will notify the applicant when the committal service is scheduled. The proposed date and time will be approved only when the cemetery verifies eligibility and confirms the arrangements.
Floral Policies
Fresh cut flowers may be placed on graves at any time. Temporary containers and water are provided in locations around the main cemetery drive. Floral items will be removed from graves by cemetery personnel as soon as they become faded or unsightly. Artificial flowers may be placed on graves during the periods specified on the floral regulation signs located at the administration building. Plantings, statues, vigil lights, breakable objects of any nature and any other type of commemorative items are not permitted on the graves.
Click here to view our floral policy (pdf)
Committal Services
The cemetery can do seven committal services per day, Monday - Friday, on a first-come first served basis, every hour from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (3 p.m. is cremation only). Committal services are limited to 20 minutes. All committal services should be brief and need to start on the hour at the scheduled time. Families who extend their services can greatly affect others who have reserved the following time. All committal services are held in the committal shelter. This ensures the family's safety and provides a fitting location for military honors and the ability of our staff to continue cemetery operations. The remains are removed from the committal shelter for burial following the family's departure and are never left unattended by cemetery staff. Clergy services and other arrangements are the responsibility of the family or family representative. These arrangements are normally coordinated through the chosen funeral director.
Casket
A pre-placed graveliner is provided by the cemetery for all casket burials. Casket gravesites are permanently marked with an upright headstone.
Cremation (In-Ground)
In-ground cremation gravesites provide a traditional burial option for cremated remains. In-ground cremation gravesites are marked with an upright granite headstone. The choice for the placement of cremated remains either in-ground or above-ground will need to be determined by the next-of-kin.
Cremation (Columbarium)
The columbarium provides an above-ground option for cremated remains. Columbarium niches are marked with a granite niche cover. The choice for the placement of cremated remains either in-ground or above-ground will need to be determined by the next-of-kin.
The cemetery will serve as a hallowed resting place for all eligible veterans and family members.
South Dakota Veterans Cemetery - Phasing Plan
Click here to view the phasing plan for the cemetery.
South Dakota Veterans Cemetery - Wreaths Across America
Click here to learn more about the program and the South Dakota event.
Click here for a sponsorship form.