Federal Daily
VA Offers Medallion Option for Grave Markers
The Department of Veterans Affairs on June 29 announced it was
offering bronze medallions for the headstones of deceased veterans whose
graves are already marked with privately purchased headstones or
markers.
The medallions would signify a deceased’s status as a veteran and
could be affixed to the headstone or grave marker itself, said VA
Secretary Eric Shinseki.
Those eligible are vets whose death occurred on or after Nov. 1,
1990, and whose grave in a private cemetery is marked with a privately
purchased headstone or marker. Under federal law, eligible veterans
buried in a private cemetery are entitled to either a
government-furnished grave marker or the new medallion—but not both.
Veterans buried in a national or state veterans cemetery receive a
government headstone or marker.
The medallion is available in three sizes: 5 inches, 3 inches and 1½
inches in width. Each bronze medallion features the image of a folded
burial flag adorned with laurels and is inscribed with the word
“veteran” at the top and the branch of service at the bottom. Next of
kin will receive the medallion, along with a kit to affix the medallion
to a headstone or grave marker, VA said.
“For veterans not buried in a national or state veterans cemetery,
or those without a government grave marker, VA is pleased to offer this
option that highlights their service and sacrifices for our country,”
said Shinseki.
To see more, go to: http://www1.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=1915.