Click on title to access the United States Department of Veterans website with information about the New Medallion that should be available after June 30, 2010.
Also,
An email below from Mr. Robert Grim concerning rules for ordering new government markers for veterans:
From: Robert Grim robertgrim@dragonbbs.com
Subject: RE: Veteran grave markers
To: "Linda Jean Limes Ellis"
Date: Tuesday, March 16, 2010, 3:36 PM
Linda:
I am not sure why the government changed the policy on who can obtain grave markers.
In your case if you cannot establish that you are a lineal descendant of the veteran then you will need the cemetery officials to make the application for the grave marker. It is often very difficult to get township trustees to apply for a marker because they fear other people will show up wanting the same service. Even though the grave is in a small cemetery and may be the only veteran buried in the cemetery the trustees may have a larger cemetery in their jurisdiction and they fear being asked to handle other request for the larger cemetery.
If you are willing to pay for the installation of the marker, trustees are usually willing to sign the application if you fill it out for them. In many cases the trustees will want to do the installation themselves (or employ a person they select) to make sure the installation is done correctly. Often the trustees will ask that you pay them the installation cost at the time the application is filed to make sure they get their money and they don't end up with a grave marker and no one around to install it or pay the installation cost.
Sometimes you can find someone who has an interest in veterans who is willing to take on the task of installing the grave marker free of charge. The best place to start is the county veterans service officer. They generally know the leaders of the various veterans organizations in the county and can sometimes put you in contact with someone who will help.
Best Wishes,
Bob Grim
