Whether you’re choosing a national cemetery or a place near home in Oakland, we help East Bay families honor veterans with dignity and respect.
Speak with a caring local director, day or night.
1909Founded
115+ Years Serving Oakland Families
100,000+ Families Served
When a veteran passes away, their family has a decision to make about where the service member will rest. Veterans may be buried in a national cemetery operated by the Department of Veterans Affairs, the state of California or private cemeteries such as the one here at Chapel of the Chimes. Families may wonder if there is a Bay Area veterans cemetery that’s open to new burials. Unfortunately, the nearby national cemeteries are closed to first interments, so families may be weighing travel concerns against staying closer to home. Our caring team will guide you in finding out what honors your veteran is eligible for, and which cemeteries have space for new interments. We’ll ensure your veteran is accorded every honor they’ve earned through their service.
This is an honest assessment of the veterans’ choices available to East Bay families, including where each cemetery is located and which are open to new burials today.
The two national cemeteries open to burials in our region are the Sacramento Valley National Cemetery in Dixon and the San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery in Santa Nella. The VA confirms both cemeteries have space for cremated remains, as well as casketed remains. The cemeteries also offer space for spouses and dependents. However, Dixon is about an hour from Oakland, while Santa Nella is a 90-minute trip. This may be a serious consideration for families planning to visit frequently.
Many families want their veteran to be interred at the Golden Gate National Cemetery in San Bruno, but that cemetery has been closed to new burials for many years. This is also the case for the San Francisco National Cemetery in the Presidio. These locations only accept subsequent interments in existing gravesites. Families who want their veteran buried at a national cemetery still have options, however. The Sacramento Valley and San Joaquin Valley National Cemeteries are still open for new burials, as noted above. Our team at Chapel of the Chimes in Oakland can help you find the option that’s right for your family.
In addition to VA national cemeteries, California operates its own state veterans cemeteries through CalVet, offering another honored resting place for those who served. The Yountville Veterans Home Cemetery, in Yountville, is the closest state cemetery to Oakland. It’s about an hour away. Central Coast Veterans Cemetery in Seaside, Monterey County, is the next closest state cemetery and is about a 2-hour drive from Oakland.
Families who want to visit a loved one’s grave often, close to home, can choose Chapel of the Chimes. We offer a permanent tribute where Oakland remembers, right here on Piedmont Avenue. Families can choose from ground burial, above-ground entombment or columbarium placement. Each space is suitable for remembering a veteran with full military honors. Our cemetery and columbarium are private spaces where resident families can visit often. We are not a state or national facility. Call us and our caring team will explain every option we offer and handle all the details to honor your loved one.
No matter which option your family chooses, our team handles every phase of the service, including confirming eligibility, transport to a national cemetery or providing a local space, with full military honors.
1909 Founded
115+ Years Serving Oakland Families
100K+ Families Served
24/7 Always Available
— From the families
Has a death occurred? You don’t have to sort out all the details alone. We can help you start the process today.
We’re available 24 hours a day.
National cemeteries are operated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, while state veterans cemeteries are maintained by the state of California through CalVet. Both honor veterans with respect and dignity.
However you choose to honor the veteran in your life, we’re here for you and your family. Whether you’re planning ahead or facing a loss today, reach out at any time; we’re there to guide you.
We’re here for you during this difficult time.
(510) 379-5200