If your loved one served in the military, there’s a good chance the government will provide a headstone or
grave marker at no cost.
A lot of families either don’t know this exists, or they’ve heard about it but aren’t sure how to actually get it done. The process is more straightforward than people expect once you understand the basics.
Here’s how it works.
Who Qualifies
Most veterans are eligible.
In general, any veteran who was discharged under conditions other than dishonorable qualifies. That includes active duty service members, and many National Guard and Reserve members who meet federal service requirements.
The veteran does not have to have died in service or been killed in action. A standard honorable or general discharge is typically enough.
Spouses and dependents can receive markers if they are buried in a national or state veterans cemetery, but not in most private cemeteries.
If you’re unsure about eligibility, the quickest way to confirm is by contacting the VA or the National Cemetery Scheduling Office. They can usually verify it pretty quickly.
What the Government Provides
The VA will furnish the headstone or marker itself at no cost. What that covers depends on the burial location.
For veterans buried in a national or state veterans cemetery, the cemetery handles everything. The marker is ordered and placed by cemetery staff based on information you provide.
For veterans buried in a private cemetery — which is most cemeteries in the Wichita area — the government provides the marker at no cost. However, the cost of installation and any required foundation is not covered and falls to the family. Installation in a private cemetery typically runs a few hundred dollars depending on the cemetery and whether a foundation is required.
What Types of Markers Are Available
The VA offers upright granite and marble markers, flat granite and marble markers, and flat bronze markers. Style availability depends partly on what’s consistent with existing monuments at the burial location — some cemeteries have specific requirements.
The standard government marker includes the veteran’s name, branch of service, and years of birth and death, along with a religious or belief emblem if requested. There are more than 75 approved emblems available through the VA.
What it doesn’t include is the level of personalization you can add to a privately purchased monument — things like custom portraits, detailed artwork, unique shapes, or longer personalized inscriptions. If the family wants something beyond the standard marker, a private monument is usually the better fit.
How to Apply
The application process is handled through the VA and requires a couple of key documents.
You’ll need:
VA Form 40-1330 (for a headstone or marker), or
VA Form 40-1330M (for a medallion)
The veteran’s DD-214 or other discharge documentation
If you don’t have the discharge paperwork, it can usually be requested through the National Archives.
Once the completed form is submitted to the VA’s Memorial Affairs office, the application is reviewed and the order is processed. In most cases, this takes several weeks, though timing can vary depending on workload and whether any information is missing. After approval, the marker is shipped to the cemetery or funeral home of record.
One Thing to Keep in Mind
There’s no requirement to use a government-issued marker.
Some families prefer the simplicity of the VA marker. Others want something more personalized and choose a private monument instead.
We’ve also worked with families who incorporate both—using a custom headstone as the primary memorial and adding a VA medallion to recognize military service.
There’s no right or wrong approach. It just depends on what matters most to your family.
Where We Come In
At
Legacy Stonework & Monument we can help with the private monument side of this. We’re familiar with VA requirements, we know what private cemeteries in this area require, and we handle installation directly. If you’re trying to figure out which direction makes sense for your family, call us at
316-670-6350. We’ll give you a straight answer and help you understand your options without any pressure.
