Loved Ones Interment Act
The Loved Ones Interment Act would add authority for the Department of Veterans Affairs to furnish a headstone or marker for certain cremated veterans who already received an urn or commemorative plaque, but who are later interred at the same burial site as another eligible individual. Under the bill, the headstone/marker could include information about both individuals and must not increase the cost beyond the legal maximum. This creates a mechanism for dual memorialization—recognizing both the cremated veteran and the other eligible person—without expanding government spending beyond existing limits. The change amends 38 U.S.C. 2306(h)(2), explicitly adding a new scenario (B) to allow this shared memorialization when the cremated veteran is buried at the same site as another eligible individual (per 38 U.S.C. 2402(a)) and the inscription meets cost constraints.
Key Points
- 1The bill amends 38 U.S.C. 2306(h)(2) to reorganize the existing structure and adds a new subparagraph (B) establishing a new authority.
- 2New authority: The VA may furnish a headstone or marker for a cremated veteran who had an urn or commemorative plaque furnished under paragraph (1), if the veteran is interred at the same burial site as another eligible individual.
- 3Inscription requirement: The headstone/marker furnished under this provision must include information about both individuals.
- 4Cost constraint: The inclusion of both individuals on the marker must not increase the cost beyond the maximum amount permitted by law.
- 5Scope: This applies to cremated veterans who are interred with another eligible individual at the same burial site, consistent with section 2402(a).