A Place of Honor: The LA National Cemetery Columbarium for Veterans
LOS ANGELES COUNTY FUNERAL DIRECTORS ASSOCIATION
Member Resource | Veterans Services
A guide for funeral professionals and families navigating cremation inurnment at one of Southern California's most sacred veteran memorials.
For Veterans who gave their lives in service to this nation, a final resting place among fellow heroes is a deeply meaningful tribute. The Los Angeles National Cemetery Columbarium, reopened to new interments in 2019 after more than four decades, now offers that sacred space to the cremated remains of eligible Veterans and their families right here in our own community.
Members of the LACFDA recently had the privilege of visiting and meeting with cemetery representatives to learn firsthand what families can expect. This blog shares what we learned, so you can better serve the Veterans and families in your care.
A landmark reborn for a new generation
Los Angeles National Cemetery first opened in May 1889 and, for most of its history, was the region's only federal Veterans cemetery. Ground burials closed in 1978, leaving families with few local options for over 40 years. That changed on October 5, 2019, when the VA dedicated an expansive new columbarium, part of its Urban Initiative program to bring burial benefits back to densely populated cities.
"Veterans who live in this area now have a choice they didn't have before, a choice to be interred close to home, alongside their fellow soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines and Coast Guardsmen, in a place that will be cared for by a grateful nation in perpetuity."
— Randy Reeves, Under Secretary for Memorial Affairs, VA (2019)
The new columbarium sits on the west side of I-405 on Constitution Ave., just 100 yards from the main cemetery entrance, a separate parcel from the historic grounds but equally immaculate in its care and presentation. The majority of inscriptions on the markers we observed were dated 2024, a testament to how actively this space is being used by our community right now.
By the numbers: capacity and planning
Our LACFDA delegation asked detailed questions about capacity and future planning. Here is what cemetery staff shared:
When free spaces fall to approximately 1,500, a new site of 10,000 niches will be opened, up to three sites total are currently planned. Importantly, no new national cemetery is expected to open in Southern California in the near future, from Bakersfield to San Diego, making this the primary option for our region's Veterans.
What families can choose: chapel service or columbarium viewing
One of the most important things for funeral professionals to understand, and communicate clearly to families, is that the cemetery offers two distinct service options, and families must choose one:
Chapel service: A committal service held inside the on-site chapel (capacity: 50 people maximum). Families choosing this path will not be present at the columbarium for the actual placement of a loved one's cremated remains.
Columbarium viewing: Families are present outdoors at the columbarium to witness the cemetery crew place their loved one's cremated remains into the niche. This is a deeply personal and meaningful option many families prefer.
Outdoor memorial ceremony: Following placement, families also have the option of a memorial ceremony at the outdoor staging area, approximately 30 minutes. This may be combined with the columbarium viewing experience.
From our members' firsthand experience, families who are present to witness the placement find it a moving and comforting part of the farewell. We encourage you to walk families through both options so they can make an informed, intentional choice.
Eligibility, cost, and what families need to know
Veterans must have received a discharge status other than "dishonorable" to be eligible. Eligible family members may also be interred alongside Veterans. Crucially for families planning ahead:
Beautifully maintained, and open to photography
The grounds are absolutely well-maintained. From the landscaping to the columbarium walls themselves, every detail reflects the reverence this place deserves. Our delegation was warmly welcomed and encouraged to photograph the columbarium structure and the chapel, though out of respect for privacy, photos of individual family names on the markers are not appropriate.
We encourage member firms who haven't visited to arrange a tour. Seeing the space firsthand makes it far easier to describe to grieving families what they can expect, and to convey just how dignified and beautiful this setting truly is.
Visit and contact information
The LA National Cemetery Columbarium is more than a facility, it is a promise kept to the men and women who served. As funeral professionals, we have the honor of helping families navigate this final act of recognition. We hope this resource helps you do that with confidence and compassion.
Sources & Further Reading
VA National Cemetery Administration, Los Angeles National Cemetery: cem.va.gov/cems/nchp/LosAngeles.asp
VA Columbarium Dedication Press Release (2019): news.va.gov
Military Funeral Honors: militaryonesource.mil/resources/millife-guides/military-funeral-honors
VA Burial & Memorial Benefits: https://www.cem.va.gov/burial-memorial-benefits/index.asp
LAist, “LA's Only National Cemetery for Vets Is Finally Taking New Applications” (2019)
LACFDA member site visit notes and VA representative Q&A, May 2026.
