When my grandmother passed away, I realized that my grandfather's grave was never appropriately marked to honor his military service. After some research, I learned how to apply the the VA for a memorial grave marker. If one of your relatives has an unmarked gravesite, follow these easy steps to memorialize their service to our country.
Step 1: Obtain VA Form 1330 by visiting http://www.cem.va.gov/cem/hm_hm.asp to download online, phone 1-800-697-6947, or submit a written request to Monument Service, Department of Memorial Affairs, Veterans Administration, 941 N. Capitol St., N.E., Room 9320, Washington, D.C. 20420.
Step 2: Contact the cemetery where your relative was laid to rest. You'll need important contact information about the cemetery to complete Form 1330. An officer from the cemetery may need to sign the form.
Step 3: Make a copy of your relative's form DD-214. Other documents can be used to validate your application, but the DD-214 is best.
Step 4: Mail the completed form 1330 along with the DD-214 to: Memorial Programs Service (403A) Department of Veterans Affairs 810 Vermont Avenue, NW. Washington, DC 20420-0001. Keep a copy of all paperwork for your records.
There is no charge for a memorial headstone or marker, and they are shipped free of charge, but costs to install the headstone or marker must be paid with private funds. If you need help completing form 1330, contact the Applicant Assistance Division toll free at 1-800-697-6947. Check your application carefully. The application process can take up to two years, and errors and misspellings can delay the application approval even more, so be patient.
Honoring a loved one who's given time and service to our country by having a military marker placed at their gravesite is a wonderful way celebrate their service.
Step 1: Obtain VA Form 1330 by visiting http://www.cem.va.gov/cem/hm_hm.asp to download online, phone 1-800-697-6947, or submit a written request to Monument Service, Department of Memorial Affairs, Veterans Administration, 941 N. Capitol St., N.E., Room 9320, Washington, D.C. 20420.
Step 2: Contact the cemetery where your relative was laid to rest. You'll need important contact information about the cemetery to complete Form 1330. An officer from the cemetery may need to sign the form.
Step 3: Make a copy of your relative's form DD-214. Other documents can be used to validate your application, but the DD-214 is best.
Step 4: Mail the completed form 1330 along with the DD-214 to: Memorial Programs Service (403A) Department of Veterans Affairs 810 Vermont Avenue, NW. Washington, DC 20420-0001. Keep a copy of all paperwork for your records.
There is no charge for a memorial headstone or marker, and they are shipped free of charge, but costs to install the headstone or marker must be paid with private funds. If you need help completing form 1330, contact the Applicant Assistance Division toll free at 1-800-697-6947. Check your application carefully. The application process can take up to two years, and errors and misspellings can delay the application approval even more, so be patient.
Honoring a loved one who's given time and service to our country by having a military marker placed at their gravesite is a wonderful way celebrate their service.