Individuals who have served in the armed forces may be eligible for exclusive funeral service benefits and grave markers. If your loved one was in the military, you might not be sure how to secure these offerings in their honor. Here is some information to get you started.

The Available Markers

If a veteran is buried in a state veteran’s cemetery, a national cemetery, or a military post/base cemetery, the location will order the headstone. They will use the information provided by the next of kin on the name, date of birth, and date of death to create a marker that matches the rest of the site. 

Vets buried in non-military cemeteries may have U.S. Department of Veteran’s Affairs memorial markers, medallions, or headstones installed in private cemeteries. Families of veterans who are eligible for these benefits can choose between a medallion and a marker, but they may not have both.

The Eligibility Requirements

Most veterans who served for one term or more and were honorably discharged are eligible for Veteran’s Association-supplied markers. However, there are some unique specifics with the time of death and the locations of the headstones or medallions.

Veterans who died on or after November 1, 1990, may have a burial headstone or marker in government or private cemeteries, regardless if the plot features a private marker. Veterans who died before November 1, 1990, may have an unmarked grave if the next of kin proves that there is no other marker provided by the government or a private entity.

Individuals who served and donated their bodies to science, were buried at sea, had cremated and scattered remains, or whose remains were not recovered may have a memorial marker or headstone so long as it is placed in an established cemetery. 

How to Request One

When working with a funeral home for planning a service, ask about veteran’s benefits. They should handle sending the appropriate forms with the deceased’s information to the VA for consideration.

These benefits range from receiving a Presidential Memorial Certificate honoring service to memorial plots and burial in the VA national cemetery. The funeral service provider should also request traditional honors at the event, such as rifle salutes and a U.S. flag for the family of the veteran who passed.

If your loved one passed away, and you’re interested in requesting a marker for them, contact E.C. Nurre Funeral Homes in Bethel, New Richmond, and Amelia, OH. The compassionate team can help secure veteran’s benefits, like traditional honors and burial expense reimbursements. Call the Clermont County facilities at (513) 753-6130 or visit the website for information on how to begin planning a funeral service.