The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) furnishes upon request, at no charge to the applicant, a Government headstone or marker for the unmarked grave of any deceased eligible veteran in any cemetery around the world, regardless of their date of death. For eligible veterans that died on or after Nov. 1, 1990, VA may also provide a headstone or marker for graves that are already marked with a private headstone or marker. When the grave is already marked, applicants will have the option to apply for either a traditional headstone or marker, or a new device (available spring 2009).
Flat markers in granite, marble, and bronze and upright headstones in granite and marble are available. The style chosen must be consistent with existing monuments at the place of burial. Niche markers are also available to mark columbaria used for inurnment of cremated remains.
When burial or memorialization is in a national cemetery, state veterans' cemetery, or military post/base cemetery, a headstone or marker will be ordered by the cemetery officials based on inscription information provided by the next of kin or authorized representative.
Spouses and dependents are not eligible for a Government-furnished headstone or marker unless they are buried in a national cemetery, state veteran's cemetery, or military post/base cemetery.
Note: There is no charge for the headstone or marker itself, however arrangements for placing it in a private cemetery are the applicant's responsibility and all setting fees are at private expense.
Important Notice - New Law Concerning Eligibility for Headstones and Markers
Schriver's Memorial Mortuary in Aberdeen was founded in 1961 when Ray and Mary K. Schriver purchased the former Kreuger Mortuary. Ray and Mary K. worked together growing their family business and in 1978, when Ray suddenly passed away, Mary K. began operating the mortuary as its owner-operator.
In 1987, Mary K. and her sons, George and Jim, and daughter, Mary, designed and built a new facility moving Schriver's Mortuary to 414 Fifth Avenue Northwest along Highway 281 in Aberdeen. Mary K. purchased the land and began the process of designing and building a new mortuary from the ground up. George and his wife Stacy Schriver have been successfully operating Schriver's Memorial since Mary's passing.
The pair expanded west in 2022 when they purchased the former Gramm Funeral Home, now Schriver Funeral Home.
First Generation: Ray & Mary Schriver
Second Generation: George & Stacy Schriver