Andersonville National Cemetery was established to provide a permanent place of honor for those who died in military service to our country. The initial interments, beginning in February 1864, were those who died in the nearby prisoner of war camp. Today the cemetery contains nearly 19,500 interments. Administered by the National Park Service, Andersonville National Cemetery uses the same eligibility criteria as cemeteries administered by the National Cemetery Administration of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). For information regarding eligibility criteria, please visit the VA's Burial & Memorial website: www.cem.va.gov.

If you are searching for the burial location of a veteran, please visit the VA's Nationwide Gravesite Locator: gravelocator.cem.va.gov.

Burial Arrangements
Arrangements for the interment of an eligible veteran or dependent are made by a funeral director or the next of kin at the time of need by contacting the cemetery. Cemetery staff must verify the veteran's eligibility prior to scheduling the interment. To establish eligibility, cemetery staff must be provided with a copy of the veteran's discharge documents or Form DD-214. Gravesites are assigned at the time of need and no advance reservations are made.  

Committal Services
Committal services are held in a large open-air structure (the Rostrum) located on the east side of the cemetery. Graveside services are not conducted. The viewing of remains is not permitted in National Cemeteries, and Cemetery staff will not permit a casket to be opened after the hearse has entered the cemetery. Military honors for veterans will be arranged by the funeral director or the next-of-kin. Cemetery staff can provide assistance with contact information. A United States flag is usually provided by the funeral director or next-of-kin and is not provided by the National Cemetery. 

Burial Benefits
Cemetery staff will open and close the grave, and also order and erect the headstone provided by the Department of Veteran's Affairs. For specific information about headstone inscriptions, please contact the Cemetery Administrator. Perpetual care of the gravesite will also be provided. A graveliner is required but is not provided by Andersonville National Cemetery. For information regarding other burial benefits, please contact the Department of Veteran's affairs.

Cemetery Regulations
Andersonville National Cemetery serves as a shrine for the nation's honored dead. Regulations have been designed to ensure beauty, dignity and preservation of a reverent atmosphere. Please abide by the following regulations while on the cemetery grounds:

• Pets must be kept on a leash at all times and should be kept only on paved areas. 
• No jogging, picnicking or recreational activities
• Please keep your voices lowered
• Please place all litter in refuse containers
• Please do not sit on headstones or monuments within the cemetery grounds

Grave Decoration Policy
Graves are decorated with small US flags for Memorial Day. Flags may not be placed at any other time. Fresh-cut flowers may be placed on graves at any time. Artificial arrangements are not allowed from April 15 through October 15. All flowers will be removed when they become faded or unsightly. During the periods ten days before and after Easter Sunday and Memorial Day, potted plants and wreaths are permitted. Christmas wreaths and floral blankets not larger than 2 by 3 feet are permitted from December 1 through January 20. The National Park Service is not responsible for floral arrangements or other items placed in the cemetery. Plantings, statues, vigil lights or other decorations are not permitted at any time. All containers should be non-breakable. Temporary floral vases are available in the Cemetery. Permanent below-ground metal floral containers are not permitted. Containers or other items may not be attached to the headstone.