Ultimately, the standard government headstone or marker is the property of the

• A. Department of Defense
• B. Department of Health and Human Services
• C. National Park Service
• D. Department of Veterans Affairs

Answer: (D)

The headstone or marker used for veterans’ graves is government property owned and maintained by the Department of Veterans Affairs. The VA administers burial benefits and provides the official headstones and markers to eligible veterans and certain family members, at no cost. Once installed, the marker remains government property and is cared for by the cemetery under VA standards, not owned by the family. The Department of Defense handles other aspects related to active-duty service members, but the standard veteran marker’s ownership sits with the VA. The National Park Service or the Department of Health and Human Services do not own these markers.