At Chapel of the Chimes in Oakland, we help East Bay families understand the VA headstone, marker and medallion benefits available, and we handle every detail.
Speak with a caring local director, day or night.
1909Founded
115+ Years Serving Oakland Families
100,000+ Families Served
A veteran’s resting place deserves a lasting tribute that reflects a life of service. Many families are surprised to learn that eligible veterans may receive a free VA headstone, marker or medallion, whether they’re buried in a national, state or private cemetery. These memorials honor a veteran’s name, military branch and service to the country. At Chapel of the Chimes in Oakland, our team helps families confirm eligibility, select the appropriate memorial and coordinate the application and placement process. Below are the veterans’ memorial benefits East Bay families ask about most often, and how we help make each step easier.
The most appropriate VA memorial depends on where a veteran is laid to rest and whether a grave is already marked. These are the veterans’ grave markers and memorial options Bay Area families ask about most often. Our Oakland team helps confirm eligibility, explains the available choices and coordinates every step of the request and placement process from one location.
A free VA headstone is an upright granite or marble monument furnished for an eligible veteran whose grave is not yet marked. We help East Bay families understand the VA headstone benefits available and request the design that suits your loved one.
The VA also provides flat bronze or granite markers. Often chosen as a military gravestone in Oakland where an upright monument is not used, these veterans’ grave markers sit flush with the ground and show the same service details.
If a veteran already rests under a private marker, a VA medallion is the answer. Designed for a private cemetery, this bronze emblem affixes to the existing stone to mark the veteran’s status. We place the veteran’s grave marker medallion here in Oakland for your family.
A VA headstone, marker or medallion records a name, branch of service, rank and dates, along with awards and an authorized emblem of belief. We help your family choose the inscription so it respects your veteran.
The VA furnishes the headstone, marker or medallion itself at no cost for eligible veterans. Setting these in place at a private cemetery is a separate step with its own fee. Our Oakland team explains exactly what’s covered and what’s not, plainly and with clarity.
In 2025, the VA National Cemetery Administration furnished nearly 200,000 headstones and markers and more than 10,000 medallions for eligible veterans buried in private cemeteries worldwide.
1909 Founded
115+ Years Serving Oakland Families
100K+ Families Served
24/7 Always Available
— From the families
If a death has occurred and you’re arranging a veteran’s resting place, our Oakland team will confirm eligibility and coordinate the VA marker for you. We’re here for your family.
We’re available 24 hours a day.
Placing a VA marker is only one part of how we honor our veterans. From eligibility and discharge papers to military honors, our Oakland team handles it all in one place, so your family is guided along the way.
A free VA headstone or marker is a monument furnished by the VA at no charge for an eligible veteran. It records the name, branch and service dates, and can be an upright headstone, a flat marker or a medallion affixed to an existing private stone.
Whether you’re arranging a veteran’s service now or planning ahead, our Oakland team will confirm eligibility and coordinate the free VA headstone, marker or medallion that honors your veteran’s service. We’re here for your family, every step of the way.
We’re here for you during this difficult time.
(510) 379-5200