Honoring Veterans: How to Navigate VA Markers
V.A. Markers are a great way to honor our veterans and allow other people to know about the service they contributed to our country. However, the process to obtain the markers can be confusing for families. So, what is the process and how can we make sure the veterans in our communities receive the honor they are do after they pass?
It is important to know the process. The Department of Veteran Affairs, or V.A., has a streamlined process for applying for a veterans marker, headstone or medallion. However, it can be tricky to navigate at time.
Who- According to the VA, “Any deceased Veteran who was discharged under conditions other than dishonorable or any Servicemember of the Armed Forces of the Unite States who dies on active duty may be eligible.”
What- Choice of one of the following: Upright granite or marble burial headstone, Bronze niche marker for a columbarium, or mausoleum door, Flat Marker in bronze to be anchored to an existing base, Flat marker in Granite or Marble to be placed in the ground, or a Bronze medallion (3 sizes to choose from) that can be anchored to an existing monument.
How- One must have the veterans discharge paperwork such as the DD Form 214. Fill out VA form 40-1330 for marker or headstones or VA Form 40-1330M for medallion. The cemetery must sign the form (box 30), as well, indicating that the item is permitted in that cemetery. If a monument company will be attaching the marker to a monument, or setting the stone in the cemetery, it is best to have that company be the delivery address and have them sign (box 28).
After the forms are completed send them along with discharge documentation to via fax or USPS. Fax to 1-800-455-7143 or mail to
Memorial Products Service (41B)
Department of Veterans Affairs
5109 Russell Road
Quantico, VA 22134-3903
When- You can fill out and submit the application after the Veteran has passed away.
As a company who honors our veterans, it is always an honor to attach VA markers for our customers and members of the community. We have also seen the cemeteries of the Dayton area work well with families to ensure that they are able to obtain these valuable memorials for their loved ones who served. If you are trying to work through the process and feel overwhelmed, please feel free to reach out to us or to your local cemetery for help. You can call us at 937.310.1035 or email beth@morrisonmonuments.com for assistance.
The forms listed above can also be found on the VA website online. There are, as with any government agency, some rules in the fine print. However, the gist is listed above. You can review the document yourself at https://www.va.gov/find-forms/about-form-40-1330/ and read the fine print.