Veteran’s headstones are markers that are placed on the graves of veterans to indicate their military service. These headstones are provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) at no charge to the applicant.
The Veterans Affairs (VA) Headstone and Marker Program furnishes, at no charge to the applicant, a government headstone or marker for the unmarked grave of any deceased eligible veteran in any cemetery around the world.
Any veteran who has been honorably discharged or separated from the military is eligible for a government-issued headstone or marker. This also includes veterans who die while on active duty, in training accidents, or because of diseases contracted during active military service. The spouse and minor children of a veteran may also be buried in a national cemetery with a government headstone or marker at no cost to the family.
Veterans who have served in the United States Armed Forces and who do not have a headstone or marker at their gravesite are eligible for a military headstone or marker from the VA. This includes veterans who died on or after November 1, 1990. The VA will provide a free government headstone or marker for the unmarked grave of any deceased veteran eligible for burial at a national cemetery. National Cemeteries administer Government headstones and markers for veterans who are buried in private or State-operated cemeteries that do not provide their monuments.
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides a free military headstone or marker for the unmarked grave of any deceased veteran, regardless of their date of death. This service is available to all veterans and their eligible family members.
A government-furnished military grave marker is provided at no cost to the family of an eligible deceased veteran, regardless of where in the world they are buried. The stone or marker contains pertinent information about the deceased service member, which includes their rank, branch of service, and any awards that they received.
Military headstones are typically made of granite, though other materials such as marble, bronze, and limestone may also be used. On the front side of the stone, there will be engraved military emblems below which will be engraved with the inscription’s information. These meanings appear on the backside of these types of headstones as well, but they are faded out to make sure they do not take away from any engravings found on the front. These markers are designed to withstand the elements for many years and can be placed in any cemetery around the world.
A grave marker can be any object that identifies the site of burial. Usually, they are made of wood or metal, with an inscription identifying the name of the deceased. A headstone is one type of grave marker. It is usually placed at the head of a grave and may have information about the person buried there.
Requests must be submitted on VA Form 1330, Application for Standard Government Headstone or Marker, which can be obtained from your local cemetery office, funeral home director, online at https://www.va.gov/find-forms/, or call 1-800-827-1000 and ask that one be mailed to you.
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) furnishes upon request, at no charge to the applicant, a Government headstone or marker for the unmarked grave of any deceased eligible veteran in any cemetery around the world, regardless of their date of death. For eligible veterans that died on or after Nov. 1, 1990, VA may also provide a headstone or marker for graves that are already marked with a private headstone or marker. When the grave is already marked, applicants will have the option to apply for either a traditional headstone or marker, or a new device (available spring 2009).
Flat markers in granite, marble, and bronze and upright headstones in granite and marble are available. The style chosen must be consistent with existing monuments at the place of burial. Niche markers are also available to mark columbaria used for inurnment of cremated remains.
When burial or memorialization is in a national cemetery, state veterans' cemetery, or military post/base cemetery, a headstone or marker will be ordered by the cemetery officials based on inscription information provided by the next of kin or authorized representative.
Spouses and dependents are not eligible for a Government-furnished headstone or marker unless they are buried in a national cemetery, state veteran's cemetery, or military post/base cemetery.
Note: There is no charge for the headstone or marker itself, however arrangements for placing it in a private cemetery are the applicant's responsibility and all setting fees are at private expense.
Important Notice - New Law Concerning Eligibility for Headstones and Markers
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