National Cemetery Administration
Commemorative Urn and Plaque
The urn and plaque are two memorial items that commemorate a Veteran whose cremated remains have not been interred. A "commemorative urn" is used to hold the remains of a deceased cremated Veteran and a "commemorative plaque" is designed to hang on a wall. Claimants may request either the urn or the plaque to honor the Veteran's service according to their preference.
It's important to note that if a family chooses an urn or a plaque to commemorate a Veteran, VA is prohibited by law from interring that Veteran's remains in a VA national cemetery or from providing a headstone, marker or medallion for placement in any cemetery. Families should be certain of their choice. If the family chooses to receive an urn or a plaque to commemorate their Veteran, their decision cannot be undone. The law does not provide a method to restore these benefits.
» Commemorative Urn and Plaque: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Commemorative Urn
The walnut urn is a cuboid shape for single occupancy of an adult with an interior capacity of approximately 280 cubic inches. On one side there is a 5 inch etched emblem of a folded flag with the words Veteran and their branch of service. A black plate is affixed to the top of the urn with brass inscription of the Veteran's name, date of birth and date of death.
Commemorative Urn
Commemorative Plaque
The walnut plaque is 10 inches long, 8 inches wide and 3/4 of an inch thick. There is a 5 inch etched emblem of a folded flag with the words Veteran and their branch of service. Below the emblem is a black plate with brass inscription with the Veteran's name, date of birth and date of death. There is a notched keyhole to allow the plaque to hang on a wall.
The etching is comparable to medallions that are available for non-government headstones with one for each service branch with the word Veteran and U.S. Army, U.S. Navy, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Space Force or U.S. Coast Guard.
Commemorative Plaque
Important Notes:
To be eligible, the Veteran (or service member who died on active duty) must have served in the Armed Forces on or after April 6, 1917; the Veteran must be eligible for a headstone or marker under 38 U.S.C. § 2306(d), and the Veteran's remains must have been cremated — with no portion of the remains interred at any location.
To apply for a commemorative urn or plaque, fill out the Claim for Commemorative Urn or Plaque for Veterans' Cremains Not Interred (VA Form 40-1330UP).
