I will not be providing a formal AAR or After-Action Report. First, I would like to thank everyone for their efforts to ensure the proper observance of Memorial Day. I wish I had the space to list all the names.
I would like to focus on one of the activities leading up to Memorial Day, which is placement of flags at the individual graves of our Veterans. This is no small task and is accomplished by countless volunteers, whom I would also like to thank, you know who you are! Next year, I hope to have a count of the hundreds, if not thousands, of flags placed at local cemeteries.
The unfortunate truth is that we will end up missing graves because they are not marked as belonging to a Veteran. I am amazed by how many do receive flags because of a few volunteers and their tacit knowledge. This is not sustainable, and I have a few simple solutions.
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) National Cemetery Administration offers various types of headstones, markers, and medallions to honor deceased Veterans. These memorials are available for eligible Veterans at no cost, regardless of the burial location.
The VA provides standard government head stones and markers. The options include flat markers and upright headstones, which come with the Veteran’s name, rank, branch of service, date of birth and death, and an emblem of belief, among other customizable inscriptions .
For Veterans who already have a non-government headstone, the VA offers medallions that can be affixed to the existing markers. These medallions come in three sizes—small, medium, and large—and include the word “VETERAN” at the top, along with the branch of service at the bottom.
Eligibility extends to Veterans discharged under conditions other than dishonorable. To request a headstone, marker, or medallion, a next of kin, authorized representative, or cemetery official must submit VA Form 40-1330 (m – for medallion) to the VA along with appropriate documentation. You may contact your CVSO for application assistance.
I am proposing a plan to create a database of all deceased Veterans buried in the county to eliminate the exclusion of a grave during Memorial Day flag placements. This will be no small task and will require volunteers to assist in the collection process. The database will also allow us to recognize and honor these Veterans year-round.
Brad Anderson and Melissa Crandall are the Lake County Veterans Service Officers and can be reached at 218.834.8326 or cvso@co.lake.mn.us
Karen Christianson is the Cook County Veterans Service Officer and can be reached at 218.387.3639, or karen.christianson@co.cook.mn.us
