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Upon request, at no charge to the applicant, The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) furnishes a Government headstone, marker or medallion for the grave of any deceased eligible veteran in any cemetery around the world, regardless of their date of death.  Also, one Presidential Memorial Certificate (PMC), certificate signed by current president to honor the memory of the Veteran, is automatically provided unless otherwise specified and additional certificates may be requested.

 

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 a traditional headstone or marker.  A medallion is also available if the veteran has a private headstone already in a cemetery.  Applicants must choose between a headstone, marker or medallion.

 

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.