Which federal agency administers the National Cemetery Administration, responsible for many U.S. veterans’ cemeteries used on Memorial Day?

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs administers the National Cemetery Administration, which manages many U.S. veterans’ cemeteries used for Memorial Day observances.

The National Cemetery Administration is one of the major administrations within the Department of Veterans Affairs. Its responsibilities include operating national cemeteries, maintaining grounds, and providing burial and memorial services for eligible veterans and some family members.

This system is distinct from military cemeteries operated by the Department of Defense and from cemeteries managed by Arlington National Cemetery’s separate military structure. That distinction matters because “national cemetery” describes a type of federal cemetery, not a single management organization. Memorial Day ceremonies occur at all levels, from national cemeteries to local and private burial grounds.