Headstones at Arlington: Rules, types, and what veterans need to know

Arlington National Cemetery is the most recognized military cemetery in the United States and the final resting place for more than 400,000 veterans and family members. The rules around headstones at Arlington are specific, partly because of the cemetery’s status as a national shrine, partly because of the volume of burials it handles, and partly because the markers and upright monuments are provided and installed by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and not by private monument companies.

This page covers the practical details that families need to know when arranging a headstone at Arlington: eligibility, the types of markers available, the inscription rules, the emblems and decorations, the installation timeline, and the costs.

Eligibility for burial and a headstone at Arlington

Burial at Arlington National Cemetery is open to:

• Members of the U.S. Armed Forces who die on active duty.
• Veterans who served on active duty and meet the service requirements (generally a minimum of one day of active duty and an honorable discharge, with exceptions for those who die on active duty or for certain reserve component veterans who meet additional criteria).
• The spouse, surviving spouse, minor children, and certain adult dependent children of an eligible veteran.
• Civilians who have made significant contributions to the country (a small number of burials are reserved for this category by presidential or congressional action).

The eligibility rules have tightened over the last decade. The cemetery is approaching capacity in its traditional burial sections, and new sections are being developed in the surrounding area. As of 2026, eligibility for in-ground burial is generally limited to:

• Service members who die on active duty.
• Veterans with at least one day of active service who are awarded a service-connected disability, served in a combat theater and were awarded a combat decoration, or served as a senior officer or in a specific qualifying role.
• Former prisoners of war.
• Spouses and dependents of an already-buried eligible veteran.
• The President and Vice President of the United States (in some cases).

The current eligibility criteria are detailed on the Arlington National Cemetery website (arlingtoncemetery.mil). Families should confirm eligibility with the cemetery office or with the VA before making arrangements.

Types of headstones and markers at Arlington

The VA provides government-issued headstones and markers for veterans buried at Arlington. The options include:

• Upright headstone. A traditional upright monument, typically granite, 24 inches tall and 12 or 14 inches wide, with a base. Inscription and emblems are carved into the stone face. This is the most common monument at Arlington and is the default for veterans buried in the older sections.
• Flat marker. A flat granite marker, typically 24 x 12 inches, set flush with the lawn. Common in the newer sections of the cemetery and in columbarium niches.
• Niche cover. A bronze or granite cover for a columbarium niche, used for cremated remains.
• Government-issue bronze marker. A bronze plaque mounted on a granite base, similar to flat granite markers but with a cast bronze face.

The choice of marker is typically determined by the section of the cemetery where the veteran is buried. Older sections allow upright stones; newer sections often require flat markers. The cemetery office will specify the available options based on the assigned gravesite.

Inscriptions and what is allowed

The inscription on a government-issued headstone or marker is limited to specific elements. The VA standard includes:

• The veteran’s full name. Nicknames or abbreviations are not allowed unless they are part of the legal name on the discharge documents.
• Branch of service.
• Rank at the time of discharge (highest rank is often preferred; check with the family).
• Years of service (or the date of entry and date of discharge).
• Date of birth and date of death.
• An optional short inscription of up to a few words (“Beloved Father and Husband,” “In Loving Memory,” etc.).
• Optional military emblems and decorations, including the appropriate branch emblem and any decorations the veteran earned.

Inscriptions are reviewed by the VA and the cemetery office for accuracy and adherence to standards. The family provides the proposed inscription, and the VA produces a proof before the stone is engraved.

For a niche cover, the inscription is typically the name, the dates, the branch of service, and a short line. Niche cover inscriptions are limited by the available space and the standard format.

Emblems and decorations

The VA-approved emblems available on government-issued headstones include:

• The branch-of-service emblem (Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, Coast Guard).
• The Veterans Administration emblem.
• Religious emblems (Christian cross, Hebrew menorah, Buddhist wheel of dharma, Islamic crescent and star, Hindu om, and others).
• The Medal of Honor, Distinguished Service Cross, Silver Star, and other high-level decorations.
• Service ribbons, combat decorations, and unit insignia in some cases.

Emblems are cast in raised relief on the stone face. The selection of emblems is limited to those the veteran was authorized to display on his or her uniform.

Installation and timing

After the family confirms the inscription and the emblems, the VA engraves the stone or marker. The timeline is typically:

• 6 to 12 weeks for engraving and fabrication.
• An additional 2 to 4 weeks for installation at the gravesite.
• A committal service scheduled with the cemetery office once the marker is in place.

The cemetery office coordinates the schedule with the family. A committal service is typically brief (15 to 30 minutes) and is held at the gravesite or at a chapel in the cemetery.

Costs

There is no cost to the family for a government-issued headstone or marker at Arlington. The VA provides the stone, the engraving, and the installation at no charge to the family. The family is responsible for the cost of the committal service if a private officiant is requested, but the standard committal service is provided by the cemetery.

Private monument companies are not involved in headstone production at Arlington. The cemetery does not allow private upright monuments, custom engraving by private companies, or installation of non-standard markers. All headstones and markers are provided and installed by the VA under federal contract.

Frequently asked questions

References

• www.arlingtoncemetery.mil
• www.cem.va.gov
• www.cem.va.gov emblems
• www.arlingtontours.com
• arlingtoncemetery.mil markers PDF
• wtop.com
• www.romemonuments.com
• www.pinterest.com
• arlington-cemetery.com
• arlingtonmemorials.org