In Germany and other areas of Europe, forest cemeteries are natural burial grounds for cremated remains that are not closed to the public and are an alternative method of burial for veterans overseas. When a family chooses to have a loved one buried in a cremation-only forest cemetery, their cremated remains are placed in a biodegradable urn. The urn is placed in a designated hole around a tree that has been prepared to the proper depth. A name plate is placed on a tree for identification. The burial cost and number of urn graves available around a single tree vary and are dependent upon the size of the tree. For more information about casualty assistance services and options contact Dennis Wahl, U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden Casualty Manager and Retirement Service Officer at (0611) 143-548-1614 or email dennis.g.wahl.civ@mail.mil.
For more on memorial benefits, visit the Military.com Benefits section.
