Free grave markers available for veterans

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs reminds veterans that it 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.

For eligible veterans who died on or after Nov. 1, 1990, and whose grave is marked with a privately purchased headstone, the VA may also furnish a headstone or marker to supplement the graves or a medallion to be affixed to a privately purchased headstone.

Flat markers in granite, marble and bronze and upright headstones in granite and marble are available. Bronze niche markers are also available to mark columbaria used for inurnment of cremated remains. The style chosen must be permitted by the officials in charge of the private cemetery where it will be placed.

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 information on eligibility and the types of available markers, as well as eligibility for spouses and dependents and details on the application process, visit a local VA location or visit www.va.gov.