Headstones, markers and medallions
General Information
The Department of Veterans Affairs provides, upon request, a Government marker or headstone to mark the grave of any deceased eligible Veteran, in any cemetery anywhere around the globe, without charge.
Eligible Veterans who have died after Nov. 1, 1990, and whose graves are marked with a privately-purchased headstone, may receive a Government-furnished marker or headstone. For eligible Veterans who have served since April, a Government-furnished medallion might be available. 6. 1917, whose grave is marked by a private marker or headstone.
Flat markers are available in granite, granite, and marble. Also, upright headstones in granite or marble are also available. For inurnment, bronze niche markers are also possible. The officials responsible for the private cemetery where the marker will be placed must approve the style.
A cemetery official will order a marker or headstone based on the information provided by the next-of-kin or authorized representative.
If they are buried in a military post/base cemetery, national cemetery or state veteran’s cemetery, spouses and dependents will not be eligible for a Government furnished headstone or marker.
Notice: While there is no charge for the marker or headstone, the applicant must make arrangements to have it placed in a private cemetery. Setting fees and any other costs are paid by the applicant.
Establishing Government Headstones and Markers
CemeteryStaff in military bases and national cemeteries are responsible to set the marker. For setting up a Government-furnished Headstone or Marker, some state Veterans’ Cemeteries may charge a nominal fee.
The applicant is responsible for making arrangements to place a Government-furnished gravestone or marker in a private burial ground. All placement costs are private.
Cleaning and Caring For Government Headstones and Markers
The NationalPark Service NationalCenter for Preservation Technology and Training carried out a study in 2011 that evaluated the general cleaning needs for marble government-issued headstones. The results are published in Best Practice Recommendations For Cleaning Government-Issued Stones.*
Request for a Headstone, Marker, or Medallion Status Verification
For information on the status of markers or headstones ordered for state or national cemeteries, contact the cemetery directly.
Please use these instructions to check the status of any headstones or markers you ordered for private cemeteries. If it has been more than 30 calendar days since your claim was submitted by you, or someone else, please call our Applicant Support Unit to confirm that we have received your claim.
If the claim has not been submitted for more than 60 days and the grave is still unmarked, contact the cemetery or funeral home to confirm that they have received the marker, headstone or medallion. You can call our Applicant Support Unit between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM (ET) Monday through Friday. 1-800-697-6947.
You can also use the “Contact Us” button to view the status of the order.
Please note:This telephone number can be used to inquire about headstones, markers or medallions ordered only for private cemeteries.
To obtain Veteran’s records or information about other VA benefits, call your regional Department of Veterans Affairs Regional Office. 1-800-827-9000Click on “Contact Us” to contact us.
Memorial Markers and Headstones
For eligible deceased veterans and active duty personnel, memorial markers and headstones are provided for them. These markers can be used to mark their graves or donate them to science.
You can also place memorial markers and headstones in the national, military post/base, or state Veterans cemeteries for eligible spouses whose remains cannot be interred, regardless of whether or not they predeceased the eligible Veteran.
These markers and headstones must be placed in a cemetery that recognizes them.
Private cemeteries are not permitted to place memorial markers and headstones for spouses or dependents.
For a request for a burial or memorial marker or headstone, you must submit a VA Form 41-1330, Claim to the Standard Government Headstone.
* NOTE:Link will take your beyond the Department of Veterans Affairs web page.
