The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) now offers free commemorative urns or plaques for eligible cremated Veterans whose remains are not interred. These items honor Veterans; however, accepting one permanently forfeits the right to burial in a VA national cemetery or a government marker.
Key Details of the Program:
- Eligibility: The Veteran must have served on or after April 6, 1917, received a discharge other than dishonorable, and their cremated remains must not be buried, scattered, or placed in a columbarium.
- The Trade-off: If a family accepts a VA-provided urn or plaque, they cannot later inter the Veteran in a national cemetery or receive a traditional VA headstone/medallion.
- Application Process: Summit County Veterans Service Commission can assist family members in completing and submitting VA Form 40-1330UP, or the form may be completed and submitted independently.
- Purpose: Provide a dignified, lasting tribute for families who choose to keep a Veteran’s cremated remains at home.
This new option is intended to honor the Veteran while providing recognition to families who choose not to use a national cemetery.
Two Options:
- Commemorative Plaque: The walnut plaque is 10″ × 8″ × 0.75″. There is a notched keyhole to allow the plaque to hang on a wall.
- Commemorative Urn: The walnut urn is 7.125″ × 7.25″ × 9.25″.
They both have a 5″ etched folded flag emblem, the word Veteran, branch of service, and a black plate with a brass inscription of the Veteran’s name, date of birth, and date of death.
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