How To Obtain A Free V.A. Grave Marker

DESCENDANTS of MEXICAN WAR VETERANS

Introduction | Roll of Honor | Mexico City National Cemetery | Monuments & Memorials in the U.S.
Obtaining Grave Markers | DMWV Graves Registry

How to Obtain a Free V. A. Grave Marker

grave marker of Capt. John Page
Below: A V.A. headstone marks the grave of Capt. John Page, who was mortally wounded at the Battle of Palo Alto. Page's grave is at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery near St. Louis, Missouri. Photo by Steven Butler. Used with permission.

Unfortunately, most of the graves of U.S. soldiers who died in Mexico during the war are forgotten and unmarked. It is equally sad that the final resting place of veterans who survived the war and returned to the United States to live until their natural end are often unmarked as well.

Free veteran grave markers for the unmarked grave of any American veteran can be ordered from the U.S. Veterans Administration. They are available in a variety of types and are made from marble or bronze. Any person can order a marker. It is not necessary to be a descendant or relative.

To obtain an Application for Standard Government Headstone or Marker, write to the following address:

Monument Service
Department of Memorial Affairs
Veterans Administration
941 N. Capitol St., N.E.
Room 9320
Washington, D.C. 20420

Upon receipt of the application, complete it as directed and return it to the Veterans Administration. Be forewarned; your application may take as long as two years to be processed. Please also note that although the marker is free, you may have to pay to have it erected or placed in the cemetery. The stones are very heavy. The V.A. recommends that you have the marker sent direct to the cemetery.