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VA headstones and grave markers

The Department of Veterans Affairs furnishes headstones and markers for eligible Veterans anywhere in the world, and for eligible family members in Veterans and national cemeteries. Here is what it offers and what it asks for, quoted from VA and from the regulation, 38 CFR 38.630 to 38.633.

“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.”

Who is eligible

Veterans and service members

“A Veteran who didn't receive a dishonorable discharge or a service member who died while on active duty may be eligible for a headstone or marker if they meet these requirements.”

VA.gov says one of these must also be true:

“The Veteran or service member was buried in an unmarked grave, anywhere in the world”

“The Veteran or service member died on or after November 1, 1990, and their grave is currently marked with a privately purchased headstone, or”

The regulation adds one more case to that list, for Medal of Honor recipients:

“An individual described in paragraph (a)(2)(i) of this section is eligible for a headstone or marker provided under this paragraph (a)(2) if: (A) The individual died on or after November 1, 1990; or (B) They were a Medal of Honor recipient and served in the Armed Forces on or after April 6, 1917.”

Service length matters for later enlistments and commissions:

“And for Veterans who served as enlisted personnel after September 7, 1980, or as officers after October 16, 1981, at least one of these must also be true: The Veteran served for a minimum of 24 months of continuous active duty, or The Veteran died while serving on active duty”

For National Guard members and Reservists:

“The National Guard member was entitled to retirement pay at their time of death (or would have been entitled if they were over 60 years old), or The National Guard member served in a federal status and for the period of time they were called to serve”

“The Reservist was entitled to retirement pay at their time of death (or would have been entitled if they were over 60 years old), or The Reservist was called to active duty for purposes other than training”

“Note: National Guard members who have only limited active-duty service for training aren't eligible in most cases. They may be eligible in certain situations, such as if they died during or as the result of the training.”

“Note: Hmong individuals who were living in the U.S. when they died are eligible if they were naturalized under the Hmong Veterans Naturalization Act of 2000 and died on or after March 23, 2018.”

“Soldiers of the Union and Confederate Armies of the Civil War, whose graves may be located in any type of non-national cemetery (e.g., state, tribal, private, or local government cemetery).”

Service before World War I

“Note: If the Veteran or service member served before World War I, we require detailed documents, like muster rolls, extracts from state files, or the military or state organization where they served.”

“VA requires detailed primary documentation for proof of military service prior to World War I. This documentation may include Compiled Military Service Records (CMSR), extracts from official State files, Federal pension documents or land warrants.”

“Pension records for Confederate Soldiers/Sailors will not be accepted as proof, of military service.”

“Not accept contemporary burial records, a letter from the cemetery, or records from a non-primary source Internet site (e.g., findagrave.com).”

Spouses and dependent children

“A spouse or dependent child buried in a national cemetery, state or tribal Veterans cemetery, military post cemetery, or military base cemetery may be eligible for a headstone or marker. They may still be eligible even if they die before the Veteran.”

“Spouses and dependent children buried in a private cemetery aren't eligible for a headstone or marker. But they may be eligible for an inscription on the Veteran's headstone or marker in a private cemetery.”

“In most cases, we provide one gravesite and a single headstone for all eligible family members. But if 2 Veterans are married and we receive a request for separate gravesites and headstones, we can provide side-by-side gravesites with separate headstones.”

When remains aren't available

“You may apply for a memorial headstone or marker if any of these descriptions is true: The deceased's remains haven't been recovered or identified, or The deceased's remains were buried at sea, or The deceased's remains were donated to science, or The deceased's remains were cremated and scattered”

“These headstones and markers bear an "IN MEMORY OF" inscription as their first line and must be placed in a recognized cemetery.”

“The fact that the location of the Veteran's grave is unknown is not a sufficient basis for a memorial headstone or marker.”

“Memorial headstones and markers for spouses and other dependents are not available for placement in private cemeteries.”

For a spouse or dependent child whose remains aren't available, the regulation allows a memorial headstone in national, state and tribal Veterans cemeteries, with date conditions. For spouses the provision begins: “An individual who dies on or after November 11, 1998, who is the spouse or surviving spouse of a veteran” (38 CFR 38.631, § 38.631(a)(1)(ii)) For children: “An individual who dies on or after November 11, 1998, who is an eligible dependent child of a veteran” (38 CFR 38.631, § 38.631(a)(1)(iii)) Placement: “where the headstone or marker may be provided for a national cemetery, a veterans' cemetery owned by a State, or a veterans' cemetery of a Tribal Organization or on land owned by or held in trust for a Tribal Organization;” (38 CFR 38.631, § 38.631(a)(1)(ii) and (iii)) VA decides whether the conditions are met.

“Note: For spouses and other dependents, this benefit is for burial only in national, military post, military base, or state Veterans cemeteries, not private cemeteries.”

The types

“You can request any of these: Upright headstones, in granite or marble Flat markers, in granite, marble, or bronze Niche markers, in bronze”

VA headstone and marker types, from VA's specifications
Form codeTypeMaterialSizeWeightExtra inscription space
UUpright headstoneWhite marble42 in long, 13 in wide, 4 in thickabout 230 lb15 characters per line, up to 4 lines
VUpright headstoneLight gray granite42 in long, 13 in wide, 4 in thickabout 230 lb15 characters per line, up to 4 lines
FFlat markerWhite marble24 in long, 12 in wide, 4 in thickabout 130 lb27 characters per line, up to 2 lines
GFlat markerLight gray granite24 in long, 12 in wide, 4 in thickabout 130 lb27 characters per line, up to 2 lines
LSmall flat markerGranite18 in long, 12 in wide, 3 in thickabout 70 lb22 characters per line, up to 2 lines
BFlat markerBronze24 in long, 12 in wide, 3/4 in riseabout 18 lb27 characters per line, up to 2 lines; base or slab not furnished
ZNiche markerBronze8 1/2 in long, 5 1/2 in wide, 7/16 in riseabout 3 lb27 characters per line, up to 2 lines; for columbarium or mausoleum niches

VA's wording behind each row (sizes, weights and inscription limits):

“The upright granite and upright marble headstones are 42 inches long, 13 inches wide and 4 inches thick. Weight is approximately 230 pounds.”

“Additional inscription is limited to 15 characters (including spaces) up to four lines maximum.”

“The flat granite and flat marble grave markers are 24 inches long, 12 inches wide, and 4 inches thick. Weight is approximately 130 pounds.”

“Additional inscription is limited to 27 characters (including spaces) up to two lines maximum.”

“This grave marker is 18 inches long, 12 inches wide, and 3 inches thick. Weight is approximately 70 pounds. Variations may occur in stone color. Additional inscription is limited to 22 characters (including spaces) up to two lines maximum.”

“The flat bronze grave marker is 24 inches long, 12 inches wide, with 3/4 inch rise. Weight is approximately 18 pounds. Anchor bolts, nuts and washers for fastening to a base are furnished with the marker. The government does not furnish a base.”

“The niche marker is 8 1/2 inches long, 5 1/2 inches wide, with 7/16 inch rise. Weight is approximately 3 pounds. Mounting bolts and washers are furnished with the marker.”

“Used for columbarium or mausoleum interment.”

“Variations may occur in stone color; the marble may contain light to moderate veining.”

“The concrete base or slab is not furnished by the Government, and some cemeteries may require a base or slab as part of the installation. VA will not pay for or reimburse for this cost.”

“In addition to the headstone and markers pictured, two special styles of upright headstones are available for those who served with Union Forces during the Civil War or for those who served in the Spanish-American War. Another style headstone is available for those who served with the Confederate States of America during the Civil War.”

“Inscriptions on these headstone types are intentionally limited to assure historic accuracy. For example, only rank above 'Private' was historically authorized; emblems of belief and the words 'Civil War' are not authorized.”

“Note: For burial in a private cemetery, check with officials at the specific cemetery to make sure they allow the style you want.”

What goes on it

Required on every VA headstone and marker:

“Legal Name, Branch of Service , Year of Birth, Year of Death, and for State Veterans and National Cemeteries only, the section and grave number.”

Optional, at the family's request:

“You can also choose to inscribe: The full beginning and ending dates of the person's life The highest rank the Veteran attained The Veteran's awards and war service An emblem of belief”

“War service includes active duty service during a recognized period of war and the individual does not have to serve in the actual place of war, e.g., Korea may be inscribed if the Veteran served during the Korean War period, even though the individual never served in the country.”

“The applicant must submit supporting documentation to VA to have the highest rank and/or awards inscribed on the headstone or marker.”

“VA will include a Prisoner of War (POW) or Former Prisoner of War (FPOW) inscription, upon request and with confirmation.”

Other words, subject to VA approval:

“We may approve other requests, such as: Nicknames Terms of endearment (like "Loving Father") Special unit identification”

“Information for additional items must be in English or non-English text about the decedent (provided by an authorized applicant), consisting only of characters of the Latin alphabet and/or numbers.”

“VA will not inscribe graphics, emblems or pictures. VA will inscribe authorized emblems of belief , the Medal of Honor , and the Southern Cross of Honor for Civil War Confederates.”

The name block on the form is strict:

“NAME OF DECEASED TO BE INSCRIBED ON HEADSTONE OR MARKER (No Nicknames or titles permitted)”

“VA will inscribe the phrase "IN MEMORY OF" on all memorial headstones and markers, as required under 38 CFR 38.630(c).”

“Note: Only the National Cemetery Administration can inscribe a headstone or marker. This is to protect the condition and consistency of these items. We don't allow private or local contractors to make inscriptions.”

Adding a spouse or child in a private cemetery

“Spousal inscription information (i.e., name, date of birth, and date of death) is authorized on a Government-furnished headstone or marker if the Veteran's date of death is on or after October 1, 2019.”

If the Veteran died on or after October 1, 2019 (spouse or dependent child):

“We'll inscribe an eligible spouse or dependent child's name, date of birth, and date of death on the Veteran's headstone or marker. We'll also inscribe a term of endearment (like "Loving Father") if you request this.”

“Note: If a Veteran who died on or after October 1, 2019, already has a government headstone or marker, we'll pay for a replacement to add an inscription for an eligible spouse or dependent child. Use VA Form 40-1330 to request a replacement. The family will need to pay all fees to remove the original and install the replacement headstone or marker.”

If the Veteran died before October 1, 2019 (spouse):

“We'll inscribe an eligible spouse's name on the Veteran's headstone or marker. The spouse's name will appear after the words "Husband of," "Wife of," or "Spouse of." We won't inscribe the spouse's date of birth or death.”

If the Veteran died before October 1, 2019 (dependent child):

“In some cases, we may inscribe an eligible dependent child's name. You can apply for this type of inscription and we'll review your request.”

How to ask for it:

“Add the inscription information in block 18 of the Claim for Standard Government Headstone or Marker (VA Form 40-1330). When you submit the form, please include documents that show the spouse or dependent relationship (like a marriage license or birth certificate).”

Lithichrome (dark-filled letters)

“Lithichrome, a darkened shading seen in the image below, is used for the inscription on headstones at private cemeteries.”

“In most instances, the headstone or marker provided WILL NOT have lithichrome.”

Emblems of belief

VA's National Cemetery Administration lists 84 emblems, by the number you write in block 17 of the form. Numbers that VA skips are skipped here too.

  1. Latin (Christian) Cross
  2. Buddhist
  3. Judaism (Star of David)
  4. Presbyterian Cross
  5. Russian Orthodox Cross
  6. Lutheran Cross
  7. Episcopal Cross
  8. Unitarian (Flaming Chalice)
  9. United Methodist
  10. Aaronic Order Church
  11. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (Angel Moroni)
  12. Native American Church of North America
  13. Serbian Orthodox Cross
  14. Greek Cross
  15. Bahai (9-Pointed Star)
  16. Atheist
  17. Muslim (Crescent and Star)
  18. Hindu
  19. Konko-Kyo Faith
  20. Community of Christ
  21. Sufism Reoriented
  22. Tenrikyo Church
  23. Seicho-No-Ie
  24. The Church of World Messianity
  25. United Church of Religious Science
  26. Christian Reformed Church
  27. United Moravian Church
  28. Eckankar
  29. Christian Church
  30. Christian & Missionary Alliance
  31. United Church of Christ
  32. Humanist Emblem of Spirit
  33. Presbyterian Church (USA)
  34. Izumo Taishakyo Mission of Hawaii
  35. Soka Gakkai International (USA)
  36. Sikh (Khanda)
  37. Wicca (Pentacle)
  38. Lutheran Church Missouri Synod
  39. New Apostolic
  40. Seventh Day Adventist Church
  41. Celtic Cross
  42. Armenian Cross
  43. Farohar
  44. Messianic Jewish
  45. Kohen Hands
  46. Catholic Celtic Cross
  47. First Church of Christ, Scientist (Cross & Crown)
  48. Medicine Wheel
  49. Infinity
  50. Luther Rose
  51. Landing Eagle
  52. Four Directions
  53. Church of the Nazarene
  54. Hammer of Thor
  55. Unification Church
  56. Sandhill Crane
  57. Church of God
  58. Pomegranate
  59. Messianic
  60. Shinto
  61. Sacred Heart
  62. African Ancestral Traditionalist
  63. Maltese Cross
  64. Druid (Awen)
  65. Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod
  66. Polish National Catholic Church
  67. Guardian Angel
  68. Heart
  69. Shepherd and Flag
  70. African Methodist Episcopal
  71. Evangelical Lutheran Church
  72. Universalist Cross
  73. Faith and Prayer
  74. Ichthys
  75. Nichiren Shoshu Temple
  76. Dove of Peace
  77. Kingian Faith
  78. Church of God in Christ
  79. American Baptist Churches - USA
  80. Tryzub Cross
  81. Rose
  82. Charismatic Messianic Evangelistic
  83. Ankh
  84. Druze

“No graphics (logos, symbols, etc.) are permitted on Government-furnished headstones or markers other than the available emblems of belief, the Civil War Union Shield, the Civil War Confederate Southern Cross of Honor, and the Medal of Honor insignias.”

“Emblems of belief do not include social, cultural, ethnic, civic, fraternal, trade, commercial, political, professional or military emblems.”

If the emblem you need isn't on the list, the regulation sets out how to request a new one:

“A three-inch diameter digitized black and white representation of the requested emblem that is free of copyright or trademark restrictions or authorized by the owner for inscription on Government-furnished headstones and markers and can be reproduced in a production-line environment in stone or bronze without loss of graphic quality.”

“If VA determines that an application for a new emblem of belief is incomplete, VA will notify the applicant in writing of any missing information and that he or she has 60 days to submit such information or no further action will be taken.”

How to apply

If the cemetery uses VA's electronic ordering system, you don't apply: the cemetery orders it. The regulation's examples are national cemeteries, state Veterans cemeteries and military post cemeteries, and VA's National Cemetery Administration names national, state Veterans and military post or base cemeteries. A tribal Veterans cemetery isn't named in either, so ask it how the order is placed.

“When burial occurs in a cemetery that uses the National Cemetery Administration (NCA) electronic ordering system (e.g., national cemetery, State veterans' cemetery, or military post cemetery), the headstone or marker provided under paragraph (a)(1) or (2) of this section will be ordered by the applicable cemetery as part of the process of arranging burial.”

“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.”

For a private or local government cemetery, you apply with VA Form 40-1330.

“You can apply for these benefits online, by mail, or by fax.”

“Please attach a copy of the deceased Veteran's discharge certificate (DD Form 214 or equivalent), the VA Pre-Need Eligibility Determination letter, or a copy of other official document(s) establishing qualifying military service. If you are unable to locate copies of military records, apply anyway, as VA will attempt to obtain records necessary to make an eligibility determination. Do not send original documents; they will not be returned.”

“The DD Form 214 has been issued by all military services since January 1, 1950. Before January 1, 1950, several similar forms were used by the military services.”

“The applicant signs in block 23; the person agreeing to accept delivery (consignee) in block 27, and the cemetery or other responsible official in block 31.”

“VA will not accept entries of "None," "Not Applicable," or "NA".”

“State Veterans' Cemeteries are not required to complete blocks 25 through 33.”

“No fee should be paid in connection with the preparation of this claim.”

“Note: In their time of need, when a family member files a claim for a headstone or marker, they should include this note in block 33: "Decedent has a VA pre-need decision letter."”

“VA will provide the applicant with a PMC if the Veteran is eligible for a headstone, marker, or medallion.”

Who may apply, per the form, starts with the family:

“A decedent's family member, which includes the decedent's spouse or individual who was in a legal union as defined in 38 CFR 3.1702(b)(1)(ii) with the decedent; a child, parent, or sibling of the decedent, whether biological, adopted, or step relation; and any lineal or collateral descendant of the decedent;”

The 70 discharge documents NCA lists, with its conditions

“NCA will accept the following documents, with some exceptions, to verify eligibility when requesting a headstone or marker.”

The asterisks in the table are NCA's. They mean:

“* A DD Form 256 or DD Form 257 must indicate a period of active duty service dates to be a valid document for eligibility determination purposes.”

“** Valid only if active duty service dates are indicated.”

“The DD Form 214 has been issued by all military services since January 1, 1950. Before January 1, 1950, several similar forms were used by the military services.”

“**** NGB Form 22 can be used to verify eligibility if it indicates prior active federal service other than for training or a minimum of 20 years total service for pay.”

Discharge documents NCA lists (conditions in its footnotes above)
FormTitle
DA 1569Transcript of Military Record
DD 2AArmed Forces Identification Card (Active)
DD 2AFArmed Forces Identification Card (Active)
DD 2CGArmed Forces Identification Card (Active)
DD 2MCArmed Forces Identification Card (Active)
DD 2NArmed Forces Identification Card (Active)
DD 2NOAAArmed Forces Identification Card (Active)
DD 2 (Retired)US Uniformed Services Identification Card
DD 13Statement of Service
DD 214 ***Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty
DD 217Discharge Certificate
DD 256A *Honorable Discharge Certificate
DD 256AF *Honorable Discharge Certificate
DD 256CG *Honorable Discharge Certificate
DD 256MC *Honorable Discharge Certificate
DD 256N *Honorable Discharge Certificate
DD 257A *General Discharge Certificate
DD 257AF *General Discharge Certificate
DD 257CG *General Discharge Certificate
DD 257MC *General Discharge Certificate
DD 257N *General Discharge Certificate
DD 303Certificate in Lieu of Lost or Destroyed Discharge
DD 303AFCertificate in Lieu of Lost or Destroyed Discharge
DD 303CGCertificate in Lieu of Lost or Destroyed Discharge
DD 303MCCertificate in Lieu of Lost or Destroyed Discharge
DD 303NCertificate in Lieu of Lost or Destroyed Discharge
DD 1300Report of Casualty
ADJ 545Discharge Certificate
Army DS ODFHonorable Discharge from the United States Army
AGO 525Discharge Certificate
AGO 755Discharge Certificate
AGO 01252Discharge Certificate
AGO 01254Transcript of Military Record
AGO 01502Discharge Certificate
WD AGO 53Enlisted Record and Report of Separation Honorable Discharge
WD AGO 53-55Enlisted Record and Report of Separation Honorable Discharge
WD AGO 53-58Enlisted Record and Report of Separation General Discharge
WD AGO 53-90Certificate of Service
WD AGO 53-98Military Record and Report of Separation Certificate of Service
WD AGO 55Honorable Discharge from The Army of the United States
WD AGO 280Certificate of Service, AVS
WD AGO 525Honorable Discharge from the United States Army
WD AGO 755Honorable Discharge, Women's Army Auxiliary Corps
WD AGO 0729Honorable Discharge from Army of the United States of America
WD AGO 01502Certificate in Lieu of Lost or Destroyed Discharge Certificate
WD AGO 01504Discharge Certificate
Bureau of Investigation No. 6Discharge Certificate
Bureau of Investigation No. 53Discharge Certificate
Bureau of Investigation No. 118Discharge Certificate
Bureau of Investigation No. 213 **Discharge from U. S. Naval Reserve Force
Form No. 6, U.S.N.Discharge Certificate
Navy (No number)War Service Certificate
NAVCG-553Notice of Separation from U.S. Coast Guard
NAVCG-2510Honorable Discharge, U.S. Coast Guard
NAVMC-455U.S. Marine Corps Certificate of Service, In Lieu of Lost or Destroyed Discharge Certificate
NAVMC 70-PDHonorable Discharge, U.S. Marine Corps
NAVMC 78-PDU.S. Marine Corps Report of Separation
NMC 258 A&IDischarge Certificate
NMC 2571 A&IHonorable Discharge, U.S. Marine Corps
NAVPERS-553Notice of Separation from U.S. Naval Service
NAVPERS-563Navy Discharge-Notice of Separation from U.S. Naval Service
NAVPERS-566Standard Statement of Service
NAVPERS-660Honorable Discharge from U.S. Navy
NAVPERS-661Certificate of Discharge, U.S. Naval Service
NAVPERS-663BDischarge Certificate
NGB 22 ****Report of Separation and Record of Service, Departments of the Army and the Air Force, National Guard Bureau
NOAA Form 56-16Report of Transfer or Discharge
PHS Form 1867Statement of Service – Verification of Status of Commissioned Officers of the U.S. Public Health Service
VA Adjudication 545Summary of Record of Active Service
VA 3101Official Retirement Order, Official Retirement Register, Reserve Retirement Eligibility Benefits Letter, Verification of Service Letter from the VA

A document on this list helps show service; it doesn't settle eligibility by itself. VA decides from the whole record.

Delivery, setting and cost

“VA will ship the headstone or marker without charge to the consignee designated.”

“VA will not deliver a headstone or marker to a Post Office box.”

“The consignee must utilize their equipment to unload the pallet or monument from the truck and inspect the headstone or marker for accuracy prior to installation.”

“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.”

“Cemetery staff in national, military post, and military base cemeteries are responsible for setting the headstone or marker at no cost to the applicant. Some state Veterans' cemeteries may charge the applicant a nominal fee for setting a Government-furnished headstone or marker.”

“The Government is not responsible for costs to install or remove the headstone or marker in private cemeteries.”

“Headstones and markers furnished remain the property of the United States Government and may not be used for any purpose other than to be placed at an eligible individual's grave or in a memorial section within a cemetery.”

If it doesn't arrive

“If more than 30 days have passed since your claim was submitted to the VA in Washington, D.C. by you, or someone assisting you, please call our Applicant Assistance Unit to verify we are in receipt of your claim.”

“If more than 60 days have passed since submitting your claim and the grave is still not marked, you should contact the cemetery, funeral home, or other party responsible for accepting delivery of the headstone, marker or medallion to see if they have received it.”

“If you need help, please call us at 800-697-6947 (TTY: 711). We're here Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET.”

Replacements

The regulation lists when VA will replace a government burial headstone, marker or medallion, and how to ask:

“Upon request, VA will replace a Government-furnished burial headstone, marker, or medallion, if the previously furnished headstone, marker, or medallion: (A) Is damaged beyond repair; or”

“Requests to replace Government-furnished burial headstones, markers, or medallions are made as follows: (A) Through NCA's electronic ordering systems, when the headstone, marker, or medallion to be replaced is located in a cemetery that uses NCA electronic ordering systems; or (B) By completing and submitting VA Form 40-1330 or VA Form 40-1330M, when the headstone, marker, or medallion to be replaced is located in a cemetery that does not use NCA's electronic ordering systems.”

Memorial headstones have a parallel list:

“Upon request, VA will replace a Government-furnished memorial headstone or marker, if the previously furnished headstone or marker: (A) Is damaged beyond repair; or (B) Has deteriorated to the extent it no longer serves to identify the decedent (e.g., identifying elements of an inscription are not legible, such as a decedent's name); or (C) Has been stolen or vandalized; or (D) Is the incorrect style or type for the veteran's era of service; or”

“A privately purchased and durable headstone or marker, from which the buried individual's name (if known) is ascertainable: (A) Has not been erected or installed at or by the grave, or (B) Is damaged beyond repair;”

VA.gov's headstones page says to explain a replacement request in block 27; the March 2025 VA Form 40-1330 itself says to give the replacement reason in block 33 (Remarks), and block 27 is the consignee's signature. We show both and suggest following the form.

“REPLACEMENT (Specify reason in Block 33, Remarks)”

“Note: If this is your second request, or if you're requesting a replacement because of a mistake with the inscription or a damaged headstone or marker, be sure to explain this in block 27 of the form.”

Plaques and urns instead

“When you choose to get a plaque or urn for a Veteran, they will no longer be eligible for burial in a VA national cemetery. And we won't be able to provide a government headstone, marker, or medallion for the Veteran after you've received a plaque or urn.”

Group memorial monuments

“The group memorial monument will commemorate two or more identified members of the Armed Forces, including their reserve components, who died in a sanctioned common military event, (e.g., battle or other hostile action, bombing or other explosion, disappearance of aircraft, vessel or other vehicle) while in active military, naval or air service, and whose remains were not recovered or identified, were buried at sea, or are otherwise unavailable for interment.”

“A group memorial monument furnished by VA may be placed only in a national cemetery in an area reserved for such purpose.”

Caring for a government headstone

“These Government-furnished headstones and markers remain Federal property”

“The goal of cleaning is to remove air pollution soiling, lichen, bird droppings, dirt, salts, and sap — it is NOT to make the headstone or marker look "like new." Improper or unnecessary cleaning can accelerate the deterioration of marble and granite; pre-1970s bronze was not sealed and will have a blue-green patina that will not be removed by cleaning.”

“Most headstones and markers can be cleaned with water alone.”

“VA prohibits the general public from power washing Government-furnished headstones and markers due to the damage it may cause to historical headstones.”

“Only clean headstones and markers when temperatures are above 40 degrees Fahrenheit and only after receiving permission from the property landowner.”

Sources