Veterans Grave Marker Program

Grave Markers

Prior to November 1, 1990, the VA will furnish a grave marker for eligible veterans' graves if they are not marked with a private marker. For deaths occurring on or after that date, the VA will furnish a grave marker for eligible veterans' graves even if they are marked with a private marker. Eligible veterans are veterans who:

• Served honorably in the U.S. armed forces. After September 7, 1980, the veteran must have served for a minimum of 24 months or the full period for which the veteran was called to active duty unless special circumstances make them otherwise eligible such as the veteran died on active duty, or
• Reservists or National Guard members who, at the time of death, were entitled to retired pay or would have been entitled but for being under the age of 60, or
• Reservists or National Guard members who died while on active duty or as a result of training. Members who only have active duty service for training are not eligible.

Veterans must be buried in cemeteries. Burial on private land renders a veteran's grave ineligible for a VA grave marker. Spouses and dependents are only eligible for VA grave markers if buried in a national or state veterans cemetery.

Marker Types

Flat Types

The flat bronze grave marker is 24 inches long, 12 inches wide, with a 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.

There is an option for terms of endearment or a personal inscription on the bottom of the marker. The space allows for two lines of 27 characters. They do not use punctuation, but spaces are counted as characters.

The flat granite and flat marble grave marker is 24 inches long, 12 inches wide, and 4 inches thick. Weight is approximately 130 pounds. Variations may occur in stone color; the marble may contain light to moderate veining. (Shown is the Flat Granite).

There is an option for terms of endearment or a personal inscription on the bottom of the marker. The space allows for two lines of 27 characters. They do not use punctuation, but spaces are counted as characters

Bronze Niche

This niche market is 8 1/2 inches long, 5 1/2 inches wide, with a 7/16 inch rise. Weight is approximately 3 pounds; mounting bolts and washers are furnished with the marker.

The bronze niche is used for columbarium or mausoleum interment. The niche can also be affixed to an existing, privately purchased headstone or marker to signify the deceased's status as a veteran.

There is an option for private remarks at the bottom of the niche. The space allows for two lines of 27 characters. They do not use punctuation, but spaces are counted as characters.

Upright Types

These headstones are 42 inches long, 13 inches wide, and 4 inches thick. Weight is approximately 230 pounds. Variations may occur in stone color, and the marble may contain light to moderate veining. (Shown is the Upright Marble)

Upright markers contain up to 11 lines of text, with or without a religious emblem. Generally, the stone can accommodate 13 characters (including spaces) on the name line, and 15 characters (including spaces) on all other lines. The marker must contain the deceased veteran's name, rank, branch of service, date of birth, and date of death. Other lines can include combat service and certain awards. An additional inscription, not to exceed three lines, can include personal remarks.

Markers are ordered on VA Form 40-1330 (PDF). While family members may be able to fill out the form, we suggest coming into the county veterans service office to have us assist you. We can assist with cemetery information and help identify companies that will assist with the installation of the marker.

Medallion

The VA also offers a medallion that can be placed on a private marker in lieu of a VA grave marker. Columbarium doors may also be affixed with the Medallion. The medallion comes in 1 1/2", 3", and 5", and they are not personalized like the grave marker.

The medallions are ordered on VA Form 40-1330M (PDF). We recommend anyone wanting to order a medallion come into the county veterans service office. There are some specific requirements for marking columbarium covers that must be followed. 

Family Member Markers

Family members are not eligible for a veteran's marker. However, they may wish to order a standard marker from a private manufacturer.