VA
provides headstones and markers for the unmarked graves of veterans anywhere in
the world and for eligible dependents of veterans buried in national, state
veteran or military cemeteries.
Flat
bronze, flat granite, flat marble, upright granite and upright marble types are
available to mark the grave in a style consistent with the place of burial.
Niche markers also are available to mark columbaria used for inurnment of
cremated remains.
Headstones
and markers are inscribed with the name of the deceased, the years of birth and
death, and branch of service. Optional items that also may be inscribed at VA
expense are: military grade, rank or rate; war service such as World War II;
months and days of birth and death; an emblem reflecting one's beliefs; valor
awards; and the Purple Heart. Additional items may be inscribed at private
expense.
When
burial is in a national, state veteran or military cemetery, the headstone or
marker is ordered through the cemetery, which will place it on the grave.
Information regarding style, inscription, shipping and placement can be
obtained from the cemetery.
When
burial occurs in a cemetery other than a national cemetery or a state veterans
cemetery,the headstone or marker must be applied for from VA. It is shipped at government
expense to the consignee designated on the application. VA, however, does not
pay the cost of placing the headstone or marker on the grave.
To
apply, you must complete VA form 40-1330. Be sure to include telephone numbers
and signatures. Use the information on the DD-214 and other supporting
documents to help you fill out the application as completely as possible. Forms
and assistance are available at VA regional offices.
To
apply, mail your application to the Quantico, Virginia, mailing address. You
may use either the US Postal Service, or one of the mail delivery services
commercially available. Our address is:
Memorial Programs Service (41A1)
Department of Veterans Affairs
5109 Russell Road
Quantico, VA 22134-3903
For
information regarding the status of an application, you may call the Director,
Office of Memorial Programs (403B3) at (800) 697.6947.
VA
cannot issue a headstone or marker for a spouse or child buried in a private
cemetery. Twenty year reservists without active duty service are eligible for a
headstone or marker, if they are entitled to military retired pay at the time
of death.
HEADSTONES OR MARKERS
FOR MEMORIAL PLOTS
To
memorialize an eligible veteran whose remains are not available for burial, VA
will provide a plot and headstone or marker in a national cemetery. The
headstone or marker is the same as that used to identify a grave except that
the mandatory phrase "In Memory of" precedes the authorized
inscription. The headstone or marker is available to memorialize eligible
veterans or deceased active-duty members whose remains were not recovered or
identified, were buried at sea, donated to science, or cremated and scattered.
The
memorial marker may be provided for placement in a cemetery other than a
national cemetery. In such a case, VA supplies the marker and pays the cost of
shipping, but does not pay for the plot or the placement of the marker. Only a
relative recognized as the next of kin may apply for the benefit.