IDAHO STATE VETERAN CEMETERY

IDAHO STATE VETERAN CEMETERY-BLACKFOOT

The first Veterans Cemetery opened in Boise in 2004 and is the final resting place for nearly 7,000 servicemen and women who served our country. In 2016 the Blackfoot Veterans Cemetery was proposed to help serve the eastern side of the Gem State and all neighboring states. Over 30 possible sites were considered with Blackfoot being the final choice due to its central location of nearby cities and ease of access from I-15.

 Plans were approved in late 2018 for the construction of the new cemetery followed by the groundbreaking ceremony in October 2019. The cemetery was officially open in December 2020 after the initial building phase was completed. The Official Dedication Ceremony was held on October 29, 2021 Further construction and landscaping will continue during 2022 and 2023.

The 40-acre cemetery will be built to serve more than 20,000 eastern Idaho veterans and offering many different options to honor our servicemen and women. There are lined burial plots for in-ground casket burials and several options for cremation, including plots for in-ground inurnment, a columbarium wall for urn placement and a scatter garden to spread cremated remains.

 Veterans and/or their families can choose from options:

• A columbarium niche, cremation inurnment that includes an inscribed granite niche cover;

• An in-ground, cremation inurnment that includes a flush-to-the-ground inscribed granite marker;

• A scattering garden, that includes a location for an inscribed marker in memory of the deceased;

• A full casket, in-ground interment that includes an inscribed, upright granite marker.

• Military Funeral Honors are coordinated by the Cemetery. Honors include the playing of Taps, folding of the flag and its presentation to the next-of-kin.

• An Honor Guard detail of at least two members of the Armed Services is provided for the interment service of the eligible Veteran.
  

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

The eligibility requirements for burial at the Idaho State Veterans Cemetery -Blackfoot follow the National Veterans Cemetery eligibility requirements and Idaho law. There is no requirement to be a resident of the state of Idaho.

Interment fees for eligible veterans are paid by the Department of Veteran’s Affairs. Associated funeral expenses and preparation are not included and are covered by the Veteran’s family or estate.

PRE-AUTHORIZATION

Pre-authorization allows a Veteran and their spouse to establish, in advance, their eligibility for burial at the Idaho State Veterans Cemetery. There is no cost for pre-authorization, and it does not obligate the Veteran to be interred at the Cemetery. Pre-authorization is intended to simplify and assist the Veteran’s next-of-kin at the time of death. The key items needed for pre-authorization are a copy of the Veteran’s discharge papers (DD-214) and, for married Veterans, a copy of valid marriage certificate/license in accordance with Idaho law.

You can download and print off the Pre-Registration application by clicking here: Pre-Registration Application Click on the Cemeteries Tab and choose Blackfoot and then forms. There are numerous forms and helpful information on this site. But, if you need assistance contact the Blackfoot Veterans Cemetery by phone at 208 701 7161, by email BlackfootCemetery@veterans.idaho.gov or stop into the office located at 2651 Cromwell Ln Blackfoot Id 83221. Office hours are 8:00 am to 5:00 pm M-F closed Federal and State Holidays. Cemetery Visitation hours are daily 8:00 am to sunset year-round . We are proud to have been added to the Veterans Legacy Memorial (VLM). VLM is an online memorial space managed by the National Cemetery Administration (NCA). We also participate in Grave Locator and provide QR code at office on window for quick locate of loved a one's grave.