hestiaThe two cemeteries
Middle Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery
7931 McCrory Lane, Nashville, TN 37221
Phone (615) 532-2238, Monday to Friday 8 AM to 4:30 PM
No cost for eligible veterans, their spouses and dependent children, including a government headstone. No outer burial container is required. Veterans can pre-register.
Nashville National Cemetery
1420 Gallatin Pike S, Madison, TN 37115
Phone 615-860-0086
Takes cremated remains. Casketed burial may still be possible in the same grave as a family member who is already buried there.
How to schedule a burial
For the national cemetery, the funeral home or family faxes the discharge papers (usually the DD214) to the National Cemetery Scheduling Office at 1-866-900-6417, then calls 1-800-535-1117. For the state cemetery, call the cemetery directly. Most funeral homes in Nashville do this for families every week.
Who can be buried there
Generally veterans who did not receive a dishonorable discharge, plus their spouses and some dependent children. In June 2026 Tennessee widened eligibility for its state veterans cemeteries to more Guard and Reserve members. Read the announcement. Ask the cemetery to confirm eligibility before the family sets a date.
Other help can include a burial allowance from the VA, a flag, a Presidential Memorial Certificate, and military funeral honors.
Questions families ask
Is Nashville National Cemetery still open for burials?
It takes cremated remains. Casketed burial may be possible in an existing family grave. For casketed burial, the Middle Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery is the usual choice.
Does a veteran burial cost anything?
At the Middle Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery there is no cost for eligible veterans, spouses and dependent children. Funeral home charges are separate.
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