VA Offers Service Medallions for Grave Markers
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has announced that it will soon make available, at no cost, bronze medallions which can be affixed to privately purchased headstones or grave markers of Veterans who died on or after November 1, 1990, Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, said today.
According to VA Secretary Eric Shinseki, families of veterans who are not buried in a national or state Veterans cemetery will be able to obtain the medallion which will recognize the deceased’s service and sacrifice to the country.
“Due to Alaska’s geography, many of our Veterans choose to be buried in their communities or villages, rather than at one of the national cemeteries in Anchorage or Sitka,” said Murkowski. “These small, but dignified medallions will enable Alaska’s Veterans to be honored for their service to our country, regardless of their final resting place.”
The medallions, made of bronze, are available in three sizes and feature a folded American flag surrounded with laurels. The medallion is inscribed with the word “Veteran” at the top along with the branch of service inscribed at the bottom. Each medallion is accompanied by a kit that will allow it to be affixed to a headstone, grave marker, mausoleum or columbarium niche cover.
The VA expects to make the medallions available before June 30, 2010. More information on these medallions can be found here.
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