3.5: Expressions of Remembrance

Provide veterans and their families with timely and accurate symbolic expressions of remembrance.

Other Information:

Purpose and Outcomes: The purpose of this objective is to recognize the sacrifices of our Nation’s veterans and their families by providing timely and accurate symbolic expressions of remembrance. The amount of time it takes to mark the grave after an interment is extremely important to veterans and their family members. The headstone or marker is a lasting memorial that serves as a focal point not only for present-day survivors but also for future generations. In addition, it may bring a sense of closure to the grieving process to see the grave marked. Delivery of this benefit is not dependent on interment in a national cemetery. Strategies and Processes: VA will continue to provide headstones and markers for the graves of eligible persons in national, state, and other public and private cemeteries. In addition, VA will continue to ensure Presidential Memorial Certificate delivery is accurate and timely. A Presidential Memorial Certificate conveys to the family of the veteran the gratitude of the Nation for the veteran’s service. VA also provides American flags to drape the caskets of eligible veterans. Delivery of these benefits is not dependent on interment in a national cemetery. VA strives to mark graves in its national cemeteries within 60 days of interment. We have also begun to develop the mechanisms necessary to measure the timeliness of providing headstones or markers for the graves of veterans who are not buried in VA national cemeteries. VA plans to assess data collection procedures to ensure that data collected to measure timeliness of delivery of headstones and markers are accurate, valid, and verifiable. VA will improve accuracy and operational processes, reducing the number of inaccurate or damaged headstones and markers delivered to cemeteries. VA will use, to the maximum extent possible, state-of-the-art technology to automate its operational processes. Online ordering using VA’s Automated Monument Application System – Redesign (AMAS-R) and electronic transmission of headstone and marker orders to contractors are improvements that will increase the efficiency of the headstone and marker ordering process. VA’s chaplain service will also be available to conduct regular memorial services for families in health care facilities and at national cemeteries. External Factors: Headstones and markers are supplied by outside contractors throughout the United States whose performance greatly affects the quality of service provided to veterans and their families. The timeliness of delivery of headstones and markers is dependent not only on the performance of the manufacturer, but also on the performance of the contracted shipping agent. Extremes in weather, such as periods of excessive rain or snow, or extended periods of freezing temperatures that impact ground conditions, can also cause delays in the delivery and installation of headstones and markers.

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