Military Headstone or Markers

Eligibility for a Military Headstone or Marker

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) furnishes, upon request and at no charge to the applicant, a government headstone or marker for the unmarked grave of any deceased eligible veteran in any cemetery around the world, regardless of their date of death. The VA may also furnish a headstone or marker for a grave marked with a private headstone or marker, for veterans who died on or after November 1, 1990.

Any deceased veteran discharged under conditions other than dishonorable, and any member of the Armed Forces of the United States who dies on active duty, may be eligible. Service after September 7, 1980 as an enlisted person, and service after October 16, 1981 as an officer, must be for a minimum of 24 months of continuous active duty, or be completed under special circumstances (e.g. death on active duty). People who have only limited active duty service for training while in the National Guard or Reserves are not eligible unless there are special circumstances (e.g. death while on active duty or as a result of training). Reservists and 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, are eligible. Reservists called to active duty, other than training and National Guard members who were federalized and who serve for the period called, are eligible. Service prior to World War I requires detailed documentation (e.g. muster rolls, extracts from state files, military or state organization where served, pension or land warrant, etc.).

Spouses and dependents are not eligible for a government-furnished headstone or marker unless they are buried in a national, state veterans', or military post/base cemetery.

Visit the VA cemetery website or download the VA marker order form

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