Veterans grave markers are the appropriate way to honor a man or woman who spent a good part of their lives in service to our country. Sadly, many U.S. soldiers who have died in the wars fought by our country lie in forgotten, unmarked graves. Equally upsetting is the fact that the final resting places for many veterans who survived their wars and returned to the United States to live out their lives often rest in unmarked graves as well.
Veterans grave markers can be ordered for the unmarked grave of any United States veteran through the United States Veterans Administration. VA grave markers are available in many different styles and can be made from either marble or bronze. Anyone can order a marker; you do not have to be a descendant or relative of the deceased.
The application for ordering veterans grave markers can be obtained through the Monument Service Division of the Veterans Administration in Washington D.C. While the marker is free, erecting it or placing it in the cemetery is not. Be sure to plan for the installation charges. You should also have the stone sent to the cemetery rather than your home. The stones are very heavy!
The only drawback to ordering a free VA grave marker is the wait. It can take up to two years to process an application for a grave marker. For those who are unwilling to wait that long, many memorial retailers can provide identical monuments much more quickly. To order one of these affordable grave markers, ask your funeral parlor if they have any suggestions as to where you could purchase one in your area. You can also look online for suppliers with experience.