November 5 , 2020 The Beacon • 25
Learn more about headstones , markers for veterans
“ A great tragedy has ended . A great victory has been won ,” said Gen . Douglas MacArthur , the supreme commander for the Allied Powers in his radio speech broadcasted on Sept . 2 , 1945 . That was 75 years ago , referring to WWII .
To honor those who fought for democracy and freedom , the United States Department of Veterans Affairs maintains a number of cemeteries devoted to American veterans .
For that specific reason , a government headstone or marker is furnished to any person who is a relative to any deceased veteran , regardless of their date of death .
Best of all , the headstone or marker is free . Here ’ s a short summary of information .
Carole Etchells Cross
Between the Bookends
Flat markers are available in marble , granite and bronze . Bronze niche markers also are available to mark columbaria , which act as urns for cremated remains . Spouses and dependents are not eligible for a government-furnished headstone or marker unless they are buried in a national cemetery , a state veterans cemetery or military post / base cemetery . There is no charge for the headstone or marker itself ; however , arrangements for placing it in a private cemetery are the spouse ’ s or dependents ’ responsibility .
Arlington National Cemetery has similar restrictions on headstones , though it is maintained by the U . S . Department of the Army .
Cemetery staff members in national , military post and military base cemeteries are responsible for setting the headstone or marker at no cost to the applicant . Some state veterans cemeteries may charge the applicant a nominal fee for setting a government-furnished headstone or marker .
The VA only permits graphics on government-furnished headstones or markers that are approved emblems of belief . The religious symbols are rendered as simple inscriptions without relief or coloring other than black .
Here are some examples : Lutheran Cross , Latin Cross , United Methodist Church , The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints ( Angel Moroni ) or the Presbyterian Cross . There are a number of choices of approved emblems available for viewing over the internet .
Memorial headstones and markers for individuals or groups are furnished or eligible for deceased active-duty service members whose remains are not recovered or identified .
You must be a member of the deceased ’ s family to apply for a memorial item if any of the following descriptions are true : was buried at sea , has not been recovered or identified , was donated to science or was cremated and scattered .
CLUB or
MEETING
When applying for a memorial item , you can apply if you represent a family member , are representative of a veterans service organization or are legally responsible for making arrangements for unclaimed remains .
For a headstone , grave marker or niche marker , fill out the Claim for Standard Government Headstone . Download VA Form 40-1330 ( PDF ).
Mail or fax your form , along with a copy of the Veteran ’ s DD-214 or other discharge documents . Without the DD-214 form , ordering can turn into a lengthy process .
For assistance in obtaining veterans records or information for other VA benefits , call the Department of Veterans Affairs regional office at 1-800-827-1000 or the Applicant Assistance Unit between 8 a . m . and 5 p . m . Monday through Friday at 1-800- 697-6947 . Also try customer service at 1-800- 391-2675 or the Coshocton VA in the lower level of the courthouse .
SEND US YOUR
NEWS ! jsellers @ alonovus . com
Alex found his dream career .
Find yours .
BF-00497517 cotc . edu / discover