Veterans

Military memorial services not only honor our nation’s heroes but also provide meaningful benefits, including:

• A U.S. flag provided at no cost to drape over the casket or accompany an urn.
• Headstones, markers, or medallions are available at no cost through the Department of Veterans Affairs.
• A Presidential Memorial Certificate, signed by the current Commander in Chief, is presented to the family.
• Options for private or military ceremonies tailored to the family’s wishes.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides a government-furnished headstone or marker, at no cost, for the unmarked grave of any eligible deceasedveteran, regardless of their date of death, in any cemetery worldwide. For veterans who died on or after November 1, 1990, the VA may also provide aheadstone or marker for graves already marked with a private monument. In such cases, applicants can choose between a traditional headstone or marker ora medallion (available since spring 2009)

Available options include flat markers in granite, marble, or bronze, and upright headstones in granite or marble, consistent with existing monuments at the burial site. Niche markers are also available for columbaria used for cremated remains. For burials in national cemeteries, state veterans’ cemeteries, ormilitary post/base cemeteries, cemetery officials will order the headstone or marker based on inscription details provided by the next of kin or authorizedrepresentative. Spouses and dependents are eligible for a government-furnished headstone or marker only if buried in a national cemetery, state veterans’cemetery, or military post/base cemetery.

Note: While the headstone or marker is provided at no cost, the applicant is responsible for arranging and covering any placement fees in private cemeteries.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides a United States flag at no cost to drape the casket or accompany the urn of a deceased veteran who servedhonorably in the U.S. Armed Forces. This flag honors the veteran’s military service to their country. The VA furnishes a burial flag for: