How to Receive a Free Headstone for a Deceased Veteran

The United States seeks to honor its veterans of war in all sorts of ways, with medals, honors, pensions, and even with costs of burial after they pass away. Funerals, coffins, and gravestones can be costly; applying for a free headstone or marker for a deceased veteran can greatly ease the family's financial stress.

To be eligible, the deceased veteran must either have died on active duty or have been discharged under conditions other than dishonorable. Other requirements may apply. Those who are not eligible for the free gravestone are veterans who: were dishonorably discharged; were discharged from draft; committed capital crimes; were involved in "subversive activities"; or who only trained for duty. These requirements and disqualifications are general. Be sure to check out other requirements at www.cem.va.gov.

Deceased veterans can be buried in private cemeteries or military graveyards. A veteran being buried in a military cemetery will have the gravestone or headstone ordered for them. If the family wishes a private cemetery for burial, they must fill out and submit VA Form 40-1330, available from the Veteran's Affairs website.

Both flat grave markers and upright headstones are available. The headstones can be engraved with religious affiliation symbols, including the Christian cross, the Star of David, the Mormon angel Moroni , and many others. Markers will include the veteran's name, date of birth and death, and service information. Other engravings can be done at personal cost.

Once the headstone has been ordered and has arrived, it must be set and placed. If the veteran is being buried in a private cemetery, the costs of setting are usually covered by the family. For veterans buried in military cemeteries, the costs of setting will be covered by the Department of Veteran's Affairs.

If you're involved in genealogy, you may be interested to know that even veterans who served prior to World War I may be eligible for free gravestones and markers. Check out the requirements at www.cem.va.gov.

Receiving a free gravestone for a deceased veteran will not only ease financial burdens of grieving family, but will also be a final tribute of thanks to the faithful veteran for serving their country.