Do you know what Veteran Burial and Memorial Benefits you are entitled to?

Veterans honorably discharged from active duty, members of the military who die while on active duty, and spouses and dependent children of veterans, may be eligible for VA burial and memorial benefits. The veteran does not have to die before a spouse or dependent child for them to be eligible. For specific questions, call 1-800-827-1000, or visit: http://www.cem.va.gov/.

Eligibility for burial of dependent children is provided for unmarried children under 21 years of age, or under 23 years of age if a full-time student at an approved educational institution. This benefit also applies to unmarried adult children who become physically or mentally incapable of self-support before age 21 or 23 if a full-time student.

Veterans are eligible for an inscribed headstone or marker to mark their grave at any cemetery; anywhere in the world. This applies for national, state veterans or private cemeteries and the marker will be delivered at no cost, Spouses and dependent children are eligible to receive a government headstone or marker if they are buried in a national or state veterans cemetery.

Many different styles and materials of markers are available. For national cemeteries, the style must be consistent with existing monuments already in place. Niche markers used for inurnment of cremated remains, are available to mark columbaria.

Headstones and markers that were previously provided by the government may be replaced at government expense if badly deteriorated, illegible, vandalized or stolen. To check on the status of a headstone or marker for a national or state veterans cemetery, call that cemetery. To check on the status of a marker being placed in a private cemetery, call 1-800-697-6947.

Headstones and markers are to be inscribed with the name of the deceased, branch of service, and year of birth and death. They also may be inscribed with other markings, including an authorized emblem of belief and, space permitting, additional text including military rank; war service such as "World War II;" complete dates of birth and death; military awards; military organizations; civilian or veteran affiliations; and words of endearment.

For the death of a veteran occurring on or after 9/11 (September 11, 2001), VA will provide a government headstone or marker even if the grave is already marked with a private one. Be sure to check with that cemetery to make sure that the additional headstone or marker will be allowed. VA will not be responsible for any placement fee.

The VA provides memorial headstones and markers, bearing the inscription "In Memory Of" as the first line, to memorialize those whose remains were not recovered or identified, were buried at sea, donated to science or cremated and scattered. There is no fee when the "In Memory Of" marker is placed in a national cemetery. The VA will not be responsible for any placement fee.

Upon request of next of kin, relatives or friends, certificates can be issued to recognize the military service of honorably discharged deceased veterans. This request can be made in person at any VA regional office or by mail: Presidential Memorial Certificates (41A1C), Department of Veterans Affairs, 5109 Russell Rd., Quantico, VA 22143-3903. Or you may fax your documents to 202-565-8054. There is no specific form or time limit for requesting a certificate, but requests should include a copy of the veteran's discharge document and death certificate and clearly indicate to what address the certificate should be sent. Information and a sample certificate can be found at: http://www.cem.va.gov/pmc.htm.

Ceremonial Burial Flags

VA will furnish a US Burial Flag for memorializing veterans who served during wartime or after Jan. 31, 1955 and for veterans who were entitled to retired pay for service in the reserves, or would have been entitled if over age 60.

As a loving keepsake to honor and remember their veteran, families may choose to purchase a flag display case to memorialize their veteran's burial flag as a lasting tribute. Flag display cases are available in a wide variety of woods, styles, sizes and prices.