The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers, upon request and free of charge, a government-issued headstone or marker for the unmarked burial site of any deceased qualifying veteran, regardless of their passing date and wherever the burial may be worldwide.

For eligible veterans who passed away on or after November 1, 1990, and have a privately acquired headstone marking their grave, a government-supplied headstone or marker can be provided. Additionally, for qualifying veterans who served on or after April 6, 1917, and have a privately acquired headstone or marker on their grave, a government-provided medallion may be issued.

Flat markers in granite, marble, and bronze and upright headstones in granite and marble are available. Bronze niche markers are also available to mark columbaria used for inurnment of cremated remains. The style chosen must be permitted by the officials in charge of the private cemetery where it will be placed.

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.

Learn more about VA Headstones, Markers and Medallions.

Who Is Eligible to Receive the Burial Flag?

Generally, the flag is given to the next of kin as a keepsake after its use during the funeral service. When there is no next of kin, VA will furnish the flag to a friend who may request it. For those VA national cemeteries with an Avenue of Flags, families of veterans buried in these national cemeteries may donate the burial flags of their loved ones to be flown on patriotic holidays.

How Can You Apply?

You may apply for the flag by completing VA Form 27-2008, Application for United States Flag for Burial Purposes. You may get a flag at any VA regional office or U.S. Post Office. Generally, the funeral director will help you obtain the flag.

Can a Burial Flag Be Replaced?

The law allows the issuance of one flag for a veteran's funeral. We cannot replace it if it is lost, destroyed, or stolen. However, some veterans' organizations or other community groups may be able to help you get another flag.

How Should the Burial Flag Be Displayed?

The proper way to display the flag depends upon whether the casket is open or closed. VA Form 27-2008 provides the correct method for displaying and folding the flag. The burial flag is not suitable for outside display because of its size and fabric. It is made of cotton and can easily be damaged by weather.

For more information, call toll-free at 1-800-827-1000.

To ensure that you don’t miss any step of the process, don’t forget to download our Veterans' Burial Benefits Checklist by clicking here: Veterans' Burial Benefits Checklist.