Campaign for Grave Markers for US Veterans

[GrahamSimons]

Only relevant I think if you are a US citizen and have what Judy Russell (see link) so accurately calls unhonored dead. Deadline for responses is 1st December.
http://www.legalgenealogist.com/blog/2014/11/26/speaking-out-for-unhonored-dead/#comments

[Michael ONeil]

Hi Graham,

As far as I know a family member can apply for free for a choice or markers using form VA40-1330. I think all's that's required is a delivery address for a hefty headstone (if that's your choice) and permission from the cemetery. I think some local Veteran's Associations will assist.

This is a google link to the form:

https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B86wKeDHvh1aS0h4QUFOaDV3VVk/edit

Michael, Liverpool, UK.

[GrahamSimons]

Judy's point in this campaign is that the criteria have changed. It used to be just about anybody with a connection who could apply; now it's only a decedent's next of kin, someone authorised by the decedent or by the next of kin. This leaves many unmarked graves with no next of kin and therefore no chance of a marker. The campaign hopes to change this so that, for example, a cemetery could apply for markers for its Civil War graves.

[Michael ONeil]

Sorry Graham I did miss the point that the rules had been changed circa 2009. I never knew this as in 2011 I prepared an application and had to compile a dossier establishing my ancestry to a Civil War Navy veteran who died in 1862 so I was none the wiser that before this it could be anyone.