Interested in learning how to get a military headstone for your loved one? There are several groups that may be honored with a headstone, grave marker, or medallion. These include veterans and active-duty service members, National Guard members or reservists, as well as spouses and other family members. Here are some of the details about receiving a veteran headstone in Fort Worth.

Veterans with an existing grave who died on or after November 1, 1990, are eligible for a headstone or marker. This is applicable if their grave is currently marked with a privately purchased headstone, or they were buried in an unmarked grave anywhere in the world. 

A National Guard member or reservist is entitled to a military headstone if they meet any number of requirements. These involve being entitled to retirement pay at the time of their death, if they served in a federal status for the period of time they were called to serve, or if they were called to active duty for purposes other than training. 

Spouses and family members buried in private cemeteries are not eligible for military headstones. An eligible spouse or family member who is buried in a national cemetery, state veteran's cemetery, or military post/base cemetery are eligible. 2 veterans who are married are eligible for separate headstones. 

Families can choose from upright headstones, flat markers, and niche markers. Depending on the burial site, markers come in granite, marble, and bronze, designed to be consistent with the cemetery. Headstones will include the person’s legal name, their branch of military, the beginning and ending years of their life, and the section and grave numbers applicable to national cemeteries. Nicknames and other terms of endearment may be approved. 

To apply for a memorial item, visit the VA website to fill out an application. You will need a copy of your DD214 or other accepted discharge documents. There is a helpline to assist with applications, and they can be reached at 800-697-6947. 

Important Notice - New Law Concerning Eligibility for Headstones and Markers