Despite whatever differences residents of the United States may have, the citizens and the government of the U.S. continue to hold the sacrifices of our military veterans in highest regard. Because of that high esteem,  and regardless of when a veteran served or cause of death, the President of the United States will send an engraved, signed memorial certificate on behalf of a grateful Nation to any family members and friends of deceased veterans who request one.

The Department of Veterans Affairs administers this program, which has been in effect since 1962. They prepare the certificates, each of which expresses the country's grateful recognition of the deceased veteran's service to the nation, and each of which bears the name of the veteran and the signature of the current President of the United States.

This certificate, which honors the service and the memory of an honorably discharged deceased veteran, might mean a great deal to some bereaved family members. Unlike the nation's flag, which can be presented to only one family member, more than one Memorial Certificate can be provided so that all next of kin of any age, other relatives and friends can receive one.

Because it can take several weeks from the time it is requested to the time a certificate is received, it will usually not be possible to receive them in time for an immediate funeral. However, they make exceptionally meaningful gifts for families and close friends who may be attending a memorial service scheduled at a later date. They are also especially meaningful when presented on Memorial Day or Veterans' Day.

There is no time limit for requesting a Presidential Memorial Certificate, so if certificates were not requested at the time of death they can be requested at any time.

How to Apply for a Presidential Memorial Certificate

You will need:

1. A copy of the veteran's Honorable Discharge
2. A copy of the veteran's death certificate
3. A completed VA Form 40-0247: Presidential Memorial Certificate Request Form available at: http://www.va.gov/vaforms/va/pdf/VA40-0247.pdf  (right click and save to your desktop so you can print it)

Any one can complete and sign the request form. Once completed it can be hand delivered along with your Honorable Discharge and death certificate copies to the closest Veterans' Administration office (locate yours at http://www2.va.gov/directory/guide/home.asp?isFlash=1)

OR

The complete package can be mailed to:

Presidential Memorial Certificates (41A1C)
National Cemetery Administration
5109 Russell Road
Quantico, VA 22134-3903

OR

The three documents can be faxed toll-free to 1 (800) 455-7143

Application cannot be made by telephone or email