LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Editor:
New information on burial benefits for veterans . . . the Department of Veterans Affairs is offering bronze medallions to attach to existing privately purchased headstones or markers, which signify veteran status of the deceased. The new item can be furnished, instead of a traditional government headstone or marker, for veterans whose death occurred on or after November 1, 1990, and whose grave in a private cemetery is marked with a privately purchased headstone or marker.
Under federal law, an eligible veteran buried in a private cemetery is entitled to either a government-furnished grave marker or the new medallion, but not both. Veterans buried in national or state veteran cemeteries will receive a government headstone or marker of the standard design authorized at that cemetery.
Each bronze medallion features the image of a folded burial flag adorned with laurels, and is inscribed with the word “Veteran”, the branch of service and is available in three sizes, 5 inches, 3 inches and 1 inch. Next of kin will receive the medallion along with a kit that will allow the family or the staff of a private cemetery to affix the medallion to a headstone, grave marker, mausoleum or columbarian-niche covers.
Veterans with a discharge issued under conditions other than dishonorable, their spouses and their eligible dependent children can be buried in a VA national cemetery. Other burial benefits available for all eligible veterans, regardless of whether they are buried in a national or a private cemetery, include a burial flag, a Presidential Memorial Certificate, and a government headstone or grave marker.
The VA operates 131 national cemeteries in 39 states and Puerto Rico, and 33 soldiers’ lots and monument sites. More than 3 million Americans, including veterans of every war and conflict – from the Revolutionary War to the current conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan are buried in VA’s national cemeteries on more than 19,000 acres. For information about VA-furnished headstones, markers and medallions,
http://www.cem.va.gov/cem/hm/hmtype.asp. For instructions on how to apply for a medallion, http://www.cem.va.gov/hm_hm.asp. For information on burial benefits, http://www.cem.va.gov. From The American Legion Dispatch, July 21. 2010.
Margaret L. McIntosh, San Gabriel
Letter to the Editor
With Labor Day celebrated and school in session once again, we have some special days we must commemorate in September and rededicate ourselves to never forgetting the losses suffered by America as we continually fight to protect freedom for future generations. Patriot Day on September 11th, the anniversary of the terrorist attack on America, became a day of national observance when former President George W. Bush signed a presidential proclamation designating this date as a day to honor those killed and the families left behind. We must pray for strength and wisdom as we carry on with the mission against terrorism.
On September 17th we commemorate the signing of the United States Constitution on September 17, 1787, by 39 of the 55 delegates to the Constitutional Convention. Delegates included some of the most experienced and patriotic men of the new republic, with George Washington serving as presiding officer throughout the sessions. The original copy of the document is preserved in the National Archives Building in Washington D.C. On this date Constitution Day and Citizenship Day is a combined event, with Citizenship Day recognizing all who by coming of age or by naturalization have become citizens of the greatest country in the world.
In the late 1970’s, Congress passed resolutions to recognize American prisoners of war and those missing in action. Congress continued to pass yearly resolutions until 1995 when a proclamation designated the third Friday in September each year as National POW/MIA Day, a day for all citizens to honor and recognize prisoners of war or missing in action from all wars and conflicts, with the focus on the need to account for them as fully as possible. Strong, united and responsible support by the American people, along with The American Legion and other veterans’ organizations, is crucial to achieving concrete answers and results. Our solemn pledge must be to remain steadfast in our resolve to bring our GI’s home so that they may finally rest in peace. Only then will it be possible for their families to begin the healing process of closure.
Margaret L. McIntosh, San Gabriel
