Department of Veterans Affairs
National Cemetery System

Presidential Memorial Certificate

HISTORY
This program was initiated in March 1962 by President John F. Kennedy to honor the memory of honorably discharged deceased veterans, and has been continued by all subsequent presidents. Statutory authority for the program is Section 112, Title 38, of the United States Code.
ADMINISTRATION
The United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) administers the program by preparing the certificate which bears the President's signature and expresses the country's grateful recognition of the veteran's service in the United States Armed Forces.
ELIGIBILITY
Eligible recipients include the next of kin, other relatives or friends. The award of a certificate to one eligible recipient does not preclude issuance to another eligible recipient.
APPLICATION
Eligible recipients, or someone acting on their behalf, may apply for a Presidential Memorial Certificate in person, or through the mail with any VA Regional Office. Applicants should provide a copy of any document which would help establish honorable military service.
In most cases involving recent deaths the local VA Regional Office originates the application for a Presidential Memorial Certificate without a request from the next of kin. VA Regional Offices normally are aware of veteran deaths when processing a claim or a change in veterans benefits.
Requests for certificates may be made through any local VA Regional Office, or by writing to:
Director
Office of Memorial Programs
National Cemetery System
US Department of Veterans Affairs
810 Vermont Avenue NW
Washington DC 20420
Text:
The United States of America
honors the memory of
John H. Service
This certificate is awarded
by a grateful nation
in recognition of devoted
and selfless consecration
to the service of our country
in the Armed Forces of the United States.

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