Veterans Headstones

Upon request, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will provide, at no charge, a Government headstone or marker for the grave of any eligible deceased veteran in any cemetery around the world, regardless of their date of death.  

Flat markers in granite, marble, and bronze and upright headstones in granite and marble are available. The style chosen must be comply with private cemetery regulations at the place of burial. Niche markers are also available to mark columbaria used for inurnment of cremated remains.

When burial or memorialization is in a national cemetery, state veterans' cemetery, or military post/base cemetery, a headstone or marker will be ordered by the cemetery officials based on inscription information provided by the next of kin or authorized representative.

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

Note: There is no charge for the headstone or marker itself, however arrangements for placing it in a private cemetery are the applicant's responsibility and all setting fees are at private expense.

BRONZE CEMETERY FLAG HOLDERS

Most cemeteries allow a flag holder to be installed alongside a monument marking the grave of a veteran. Our funeral home maintains a supply of these for private purchase by family or friends of a deceased veteran. We can provide the appropriate flag holder for any veteran, including those that served during peacetime. A variety of selections are available. Please contact us at 1-607-722-4023 for further details.

What is the difference between a grave marker and a headstone?

Grave markers are flat bronze plaques attached to a granite stone base used mainly for purpose of identifying the deceased. Burial headstones do the same purpose but are upright and made from granite monuments. 

Do veterans get free grave markers?

Yes, The Department of Veterans Affairs provides headstones or markers at no charge to any deceased veteran in any cemetery around the world.

What does a military grave marker look like?

The Department of Veterans Affairs will furnish a deceased veteran with an upright grave marker that is made from granite, marble, or a flat grave marker in marble, bronze, or granite. Upright grave markers are made from two-to-three-inch-thick slabs which stand vertically at the head of the grave.