Memorial Day serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by those who have served in the armed forces to protect our freedoms. It’s a time when we gather in gratitude on the last Monday of May each year to honor their service. While many Americans traditionally visit cemeteries where their loved ones are buried, there is a growing interest in sustainable memorial options. At Better Place Forests, we are honored to offer military honors in each of our forests and proudly provide veterans with a 10% discount on their choice of any memorial tree.*
Learn more about how we accommodate military honors in our protected forests coast to coast.
Veteran Affairs Burial Benefits
Many assume that all veteran burial expenses are fully covered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), but this is not always the case. While the VA does provide burial benefits and support—covering a gravesite in a national cemetery, the headstone or marker, and a Presidential Memorial Certificate—not all expenses are included. For those preferring a private cemetery or a burial alternative, it is possible to apply for a veteran burial allowance.
At Better Place Forests, we accommodate military honors in each of our forests, providing a natural and tranquil setting for remembrance. This approach not only respects the individual’s service but also aligns with a growing desire for an environmentally conscious memorial option.
Celebrating a Lifetime of Service
One of our most touching memorials took place in our Point Arena Memorial Forest, in 2016. Pamela G., a pastor dedicated to preparing people for their passing and honoring their legacies, attended this ceremony for her father-in-law, Bob—a proud U.S. Navy veteran who served as an engineer during World War II.
“Being a veteran of the Navy was central to my father-in-law’s identity. Later in his life, he wore his Navy veteran hat often—a lot of his pictures have him in that ballcap,” Pamela shared.
Bob met his wife at the naval office in San Diego during World War II; she was a secretary, and he was actively serving. Their lives together took them to the San Bernardino mountains, where they found solace among the trees. As Bob aged and dementia set in, memories of his Navy days provided comfort.
“When his life had come to an end, it was important to incorporate all of that into the memorial because that was who he was,” Pamela said. For Bob’s memorial, his family gathered around his chosen memorial tree, wrapped in afghan blankets his wife had made. The service celebrated his time in the Navy and his deep connection to nature.
Honoring Veterans at Better Place Forests
Military funeral honors are a deeply moving tribute mandated by law, offered at no cost to any veteran or active duty service member. These honors include the live playing of Taps and the presentation and folding of the American flag. While the ceremony’s key moments are brief—lasting around 5 to 10 minutes—they are profoundly meaningful for the grieving family.
On the day of Bob’s memorial service, Pamela’s family arrived in the forest shortly after the Navy servicemen—two color guards and a bugle player—who would perform the military honors.
“The servicemen talked about the ritual of presenting the flag,” Pamela explained of the ceremony. “They unfolded the flag and then refolded it while the bugler played Taps. It was different out there in the forest, as opposed to at a mortuary or any of the other places I’m used to that being done.”
Surrounded by trees, the sounds of the bugle echoed through the forest canopy—a surreal experience for those mourning a loved one. This service was an important part of the grieving process for this family, and the American flag has continued to hold great significance for them—Pamela’s son has kept it as a way to remember his grandfather’s legacy.
“I was surprised that it was so important to our son to have that flag, but it was important to him to have that because that was such an important part of who his grandfather was,” Pamela reflected.
Your Path to a Meaningful Memorial
At Better Place Forests, we are dedicated to creating unique and environmentally conscious memorials that honor the legacies of our veterans. Our forests provide a tranquil, natural sanctuary where families can celebrate the lives of their loved ones, surrounded by the beauty and peace of nature.
If you are considering a memorial for a veteran in your family, we invite you to explore the possibilities within our forests. With our commitment to environmental stewardship and personal reverence, we offer a lasting tribute that aligns with your values and honors the service of your cherished veteran.
For more information about our services and the special discounts available for veterans, please talk to one of our guides about memorial options and visit one of our forests. Together, we can craft a memorial that not only honors their service but also their legacy.
* We proudly offer veterans 10% off their choice of a memorial tree. This offer can not be combined with other promotions.
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