Honoring Service: How to Obtain a Bronze Veterans Plaque

For families who have lost a loved one who served in the United States Armed Forces, finding meaningful ways to commemorate their sacrifice can bring both comfort and pride. One lasting and dignified tribute is a bronze veterans plaque—an official marker that symbolizes service, patriotism, and the respect of a grateful nation.

What Is a Bronze Veterans Plaque?

Bronze veterans plaques are durable, cast metal markers designed specifically to honor individuals who served in the military. These plaques are often affixed to headstones, flat markers, or upright monuments. They usually feature the veteran’s name, branch of service, years of birth and death, and sometimes insignias or emblems of the military branch they served in. The timeless design, official seal, and high-quality craftsmanship of bronze plaques make them a powerful symbol of remembrance.

Who Is Eligible?

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides these plaques at no cost to eligible veterans. Eligibility generally includes:

• Veterans who served in active duty and were discharged under conditions other than dishonorable.

• Members of the Reserves or National Guard who were entitled to retirement pay or died while on active duty or performing training duty.

Spouses and dependents are not eligible for their own plaques, but their names can sometimes be included on shared monuments at private expense.

How to Apply for a Bronze Veterans Plaque

The process for obtaining a plaque involves a few important steps:

1. Gather Required Documents

You'll need:

• The veteran’s discharge papers (DD-214 or equivalent).

• A death certificate (in most cases).

• Information about the burial or monument site.

2. Choose the Right Form

For private cemeteries or personal monuments, you’ll need to complete VA Form 40-1330, which is the Application for Standard Government Headstone, Marker, or Medallion.

This form can be found and filled out online at the VA’s National Cemetery Administration website.

3. Get Written Permission (if needed)

If the plaque will be installed in a private cemetery or on a personal monument, the cemetery or monument provider may need to give written authorization for installation.

4. Submit the Application

Once the form and documents are complete, you can submit them via:

• Mail to the address listed on the form.

• Fax to 1-800-455-7143.

Processing typically takes a few weeks, but times may vary.

Adding a Plaque to a Monument

Once the plaque arrives, a monument company can help you integrate it into an existing headstone or monument, or plan a new one around it. Installation must be handled carefully to preserve the plaque and ensure a long-lasting, respectful presentation.

At Bailey Monument Company, we routinely assist families with this process—from submitting paperwork to professionally mounting the plaque on a granite monument or marker. Our goal is to make this step as smooth and meaningful as possible.

A Lasting Tribute

A bronze veterans plaque isn’t just a piece of metal. It’s a permanent recognition of courage, duty, and service. For families, it’s a deeply personal reminder of their loved one’s legacy and sacrifice. Whether installed on a private memorial or in a cemetery, these plaques ensure that future generations will remember not only the name, but the service and honor behind it.

If you need help obtaining a plaque or have questions about how to incorporate one into a memorial, don’t hesitate to reach out. We're honored to walk alongside you in this meaningful process.