RI Veterans Memorial Cemetery

Program Description

The RI Office of Veterans Services maintains a dignified and solemn military cemetery on 280 acres in Exeter, RI. The grounds of the cemetery are beautifully maintained and include 41 monuments dedicated to veterans of specific wars and conflicts.

Services

  • Eligible veterans, spouses, and dependent children may be buried at the RI Veterans Memorial Cemetery.
  • Burials for veterans are provided at no cost.
  • Burials for spouses and dependents may incur fees.
  • The Rhode Island Veterans Memorial Cemetery offers in-ground casket, in-ground cremation and above-ground columbarium cremation sites. Committal services for veterans and eligible spouses/dependents are 15 minutes in length to include military honors. Gravesite locations are assigned by the Administration Office at the time of death.
  • For burial arrangements, or any other questions, please call the Administration Office.

Eligibility

  • Honorable service.
  • Veterans with active duty service for which they received a campaign or expeditionary medal -OR-
  • Veterans with 2+ consecutive years of active duty during peacetime -OR-
  • Veterans with 20+ years of National Guard or Reserve service -OR-
  • Persons with 6+ years of service in the Rhode Island National Guard or a Reserve Component -OR-
  • Persons with 6+ years of service in a National Guard or Reserve Component in a different state and that person is a Rhode Island resident for at least 2 consecutive years prior to death
  • Proof of service consists of a DD214, NGB-22, reserve documentation or the equivalent.
  • Proof of residency for out of state National Guard or Reserve Component consists of an RI driver’s license, RI voter registration, or IRS/State tax forms.

Adornment Policy

  • For your safety, visitors are asked not to drive on the burial grounds. For help in accessing a gravesite, especially during times of significant snowfall, please stop by the Administration Office.
  • Alcohol, Drugs and weapons are not permitted on the cemetery grounds. With the exception of service animals, dogs are not allowed on cemetery grounds. To ensure the sanctity of the grounds, recreational activities are also prohibited. For information on flowers, flags, and adornments, please read our Adornment Policy.

Flag Policy

  • The Veterans Memorial Cemetery does accept unserviceable flags for proper retirement. Please read our Flag Policy.

Regulations

How to Apply

How To Request Military Records

About RI Office of Veterans Services

The RI Office of Veterans Services operates the RI Veterans Home, the RI Veterans Cemetery and the RI Office of Veterans Services. 

Contact Info

RI Veterans Memorial Cemetery

401-268-3088

301 South County Trail

Exeter, Rhode Island 02822-9712

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