Headstone Applications

[Northstep]

I was told you could order a replacement —— but Im not so sure.
My ancestor's headstone has the wrong unit on it. He is buried at the veteran's home at Beauvoir. They said they couldnt order a replacement and I think they gave the reason as cost for replacing all the incorrect headstones in their cemetery.

That brings up a question about the headstone application. I did not find a form for this ancestor.
Q: Was this form required for veterans' cemeteries like Beauvoir or for National Cemeteries?
If not, was there another form or document for ordering headstones for large cemeteries?

It's my understanding that the same headstone application form was used for veterans who died in veteran's homes. The application was usually made by the home on behalf of the veteran. I have no doubt that all the applications are yet online.

The only cost to the cemetery is the payment for someone to do the physical work of replacement. I can understand their possible budget concerns and reluctance to do the work. I'm not sure if they would allow you to handle to cost or possibly make a rather substantial donation to their preservation efforts to encourage their cooperation. The website shows Beauvoir is owned and operated by the Mississippi Division of the United Sons of Confederate Veterans and are a 501(c)3 Non-Profit Charity.

Currently, the Dept. of Veterans Affairs administers the headstone project. As of 5/23/23 they do mention ordering a replacement stone:

"For a headstone, grave marker, or niche marker, fill out the Claim for Standard Government Headstone or Marker (VA Form 40-1330).
Note: If this is your second request, or if you're requesting a replacement because of a mistake with the inscription or a damaged headstone or marker, be sure to explain this in block 27 of the form."
https://www.disasterassistance.gov/get-assistance/forms-of-assistance/4713

If you request a new stone I believe the VA will be able to locate the original application in their files.

National Cemeteries are an entity unto themselves and administered by the VA National Cemetery Administration. I am not familiar with the forms they used in the past.

 

[Northstep]

@Snowbound Camp Chase is a National Cemetery and I have no idea how they handle replacement headstone. So sorry.
I hope their website might be helpful to you.
https://www.cem.va.gov/index.asp

 

[Snowbound]

I just ordered a bronze WWI (40-1330) marker for my grandfather. His grave has been lost to the family since 1932 due to a misspelling in the cemetery record book. Found it two weeks ago. I sent the form to the cemetery and they will sign and forward to the VA. Fortunately they will take care of installation when received ($330). Initially I called to confirm the grave and correct the name. The cemetery offered a commercially available bronze plaque for $3,300.

Little over a year ago I coordinated an SAR grave marking for my ancestor. The VA refered me to what they called their "old guy specialist". Great person. Three markers were sent to the funeral home in WV. First two were cracked. New markers were automatically sent when the cracked ones were refused. In this case I had to find a separate company to install. Under $200. Funeral home stored the stone for a year due to Covid/scheduling of the ceremony.

 

[Northstep]

I just ordered a bronze WWI (40-1330) marker for my grandfather. His grave has been lost to the family since 1932 due to a misspelling in the cemetery record book. Found it two weeks ago. I sent the form to the cemetery and they will sign and forward to the VA. Fortunately they will take care of installation when received ($330). Initially I called to confirm the grave and correct the name. The cemetery offered a commercially available bronze plaque for $3,300.

Little over a year ago I coordinated an SAR grave marking for my ancestor. The VA refered me to what they called their "old guy specialist". Great person. Three markers were sent to the funeral home in WV. First two were cracked. New markers were automatically sent when the cracked ones were refused. In this case I had to find a separate company to install. Under $200. Funeral home stored the stone for a year due to Covid/scheduling of the ceremony.

View attachment 476060

What a wonderful story of finding your GF's burial site. I'm sure you'll never forget the day you found the record! Personally, I think the VA bronze plaque will be every bit as nice without an additional $3,000 to help finance the cemetery.

Thank you for posting this photo. I love the newer style with the black incised lettering and that is beautiful granite. The SAR marker is perfect. Your ancestor is very proud of you for your dedication to his memory.

 

[riruhane]

Thanks for the tip. I had not used this routine in Ancestry - found GG Grandfather.

 

[Northstep]

The Cornell Law School website has published the current (25 August 2021) Code of Federal Regulations related to headstones.

(c) Definitions—(1) Applicant. An applicant for a burial headstone or marker for an eligible deceased individual, or an applicant for a medallion to be affixed to a privately purchased headstone or marker, may be:
(vi) Any individual, if the dates of service of the veteran to be memorialized ..... ended prior to April 6, 1917.

So, anyone willing to spend the time and money (for installation) can see that a CW veteran's grave is properly marked or replace a broken/damaged headstone.

I do not know when the regulations changed from the requirement that the applicant had to be a descendant or lineal descendant or recognized military organization to apply for a CW veteran's stone. This same regulation must have been in place in the mid-1970s when the church clerk made applications for my ancestors. But, that does not matter. What is important is the current regulation which gives us all the opportunity to give the full measure of respect that CW veterans deserve.

38 CFR § 38.630 - Burial headstones and markers; medallions