All veterans who had an other than dishonorable discharge are eligible to receive a headstone and marker. This marker consists of a flat bronze, granite, or marble marker, or an upright marble marker consistent with the style at the cemetery where the veteran is to be buried. The marker has the name of the veteran, the dates of birth and death and the branch of service. The marker is made for and shipped by the government. Additional optional statements can be added some at the expense of the government and some at the expense of the survivors.
Special markers are available for cremated remains.
When the veteran is to be buried in a national cemetery the headstone can be ordered through the cemetery, but when the veteran is buried in someplace other than a national cemetery the marker must be ordered through the VA Regional Office, and the government does not pay for the cost of placing the marker. Next of kin of all veterans are eligible to receive an American Flag. Flags are available at VA Regional offices, national cemeteries, and most local post offices. Normally, funeral directors will assist survivors in obtaining the flag. Members of the national reserves who dies while on active duty are also eligible for burial in a national cemetery.