Memorial Affairs

This week, the White House announced that 12 VA senior leaders will receive 2023 Presidential Rank Awards for their extraordinary service to Veterans, their families, caregivers and survivors.

The National Cemetery Administration has acquired more than 266 acres of land in Birchwood, TN, for the future replacement of the Chattanooga National Cemetery.

Talking about end-of-life planning is never easy, but it is essential. VA provides a variety of benefits and services to help Veterans and their loved ones prepare. From life insurance to burial costs, learn how you can plan ahead with VA benefits.

VA’s national cemeteries will host a National Day of Service on Monday, September 11 to honor our nation’s servicemembers, police, fire and first responders on the 22nd anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. This day of service will take place at more than 60 national VA cemeteries and include opportunities for volunteers to clean headstones and participate in other beautification activities.

Memorial Day can bring up many emotions in the Veteran community: grief, nostalgia, pride, even loneliness. For many, visiting their battle buddy’s resting place provides a sense of peace, comfort and duty. For those who can’t get there because of distance or reasons beyond their control, the day can feel hollow. 

In time for Memorial Day weekend this year, NCA has expanded the Veterans Legacy Memorial platform to include 27 Department of Defense-managed cemeteries, including Arlington National Cemetery.

The federal government has designated the last Monday of May as Memorial Day. On this day and the days leading up to it, citizens from across the country will gather at cemeteries and memorials to honor and remember the service members who gave the last full measure of devotion.

PBS’ National Memorial Day Concert, America’s national night of remembrance, returns for a live presentation this Sunday hosted by Tony award-winner Joe Mantegna and Emmy award-winner Gary Sinise, acclaimed actors dedicated to Veterans’ causes and supporting U.S. troops in active service.

Wireless upgrades at VA cemeteries and staff offices ensure VA’s gravesite locator has up-to-date information.

Native Americans serve in the military in numbers far higher than their proportion of the U.S. population. They've served with distinction in every major conflict for over 200 years. To honor their legacy of service and their culture, the National Cemetery Administration (NCA) works with tribes to honor their service and heritage, working together to build and maintain tribal Veterans cemeteries—cemeteries built and maintained by tribes with support from VA.

Seventy-seven years after he died in a kamikaze attack and was lost at sea, Joseph West’s family members honored him with a memorial headstone at Fort Gibson National Cemetery in Oklahoma.

VLM's interactive features allow people to remember those who served by posting tributes and comments, uploading images and sharing a Veteran’s military service timeline, achievements, biographical information, historical documents and more.