The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides, upon request and at no cost to the applicant, a Government headstone or marker for the unmarked grave of any eligible veteran, in any cemetery worldwide, regardless of the date of death.

For eligible veterans who passed away on or after November 1, 1990, the VA may also furnish a headstone or marker for graves already marked with a private headstone or marker. In such cases, applicants can choose either a traditional headstone or marker, or a newer device introduced in 2009.

Headstones and markers are available in several options:

• Flat markers: granite, marble, and bronze
• Upright headstones: granite and marble
• Niche markers: for columbaria used for the inurnment of cremated remains

The style selected should be consistent with existing monuments at the burial site.

When a veteran is buried or memorialized in a national cemetery, state veterans’ cemetery, or military post/base cemetery, the cemetery officials will order the headstone or marker based on the inscription information provided by the next of kin or authorized representative.

Spouses and dependents are eligible for a Government-furnished headstone or marker only if they are buried in a national cemetery, state veterans’ cemetery, or military post/base cemetery.

Please note: While there is no charge for the headstone or marker itself, any arrangements to place it in a private cemetery, including setting fees, are the responsibility of the applicant.

Important Notice - New Law Concerning Eligibility for Headstones and Markers