You may want to ask the following questions when preparing for burial in a private cemetery:

• When responding to an offer of a "free" gravesite for veterans, ask if there is a requirement to purchase an additional gravesite.

• If an additional gravesite is required, where will it be located and what is the cost?

• What type of trust fund does the cemetery have to protect buyers?

• Ask if there are restrictions on the type of headstone or marker that can be used to mark the grave.

• Does the cemetery require a special marker base to be purchased prior to ordering a free government marker for a veteran's grave?

• Is there an additional cost for the placement, setting or care of a free government headstone or marker? Is it more than if a private headstone or marker is purchased?

• Is an outside container (usually called a "vault" or "grave liner") required and how much does it cost?

• Know what you are receiving and what is required by the company and have them put it in writing prior to burial.

We suggest that if burial will be in a private cemetery and a Government headstone or marker will be requested for the veteran’s grave, that the family complete, in advance, VA Form 40-1330, Application for Standard Government Headstone or Marker for Installation in a Private or State Veterans’ Cemetery, and place it with the veteran’s military discharge papers for use at the time of need.

Only an eligible veteran may receive a Government-furnished headstone or marker for placement in a private cemetery. Veteran’s spouses and dependent children are not eligible.