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Burial & Memorial Benefits

Presidential Memorial Certificates
Sample Presidential Memorial Certificate
    A Presidential Memorial Certificate (PMC) is an engraved paper certificate, signed by the current President, to honor the memory of honorably discharged deceased veterans.

    History

      This program was initiated in March 1962 by President John F. Kennedy and has been continued by all subsequent Presidents. Statutory authority for the program is Section 112, Title 38, of the United States Code.

    Administration

      The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) administers the PMC program by preparing the certificates which bear the President’s signature expressing the country’s grateful recognition of the veteran’s service in the United States Armed Forces.

    Eligibility

      Eligible recipients include the deceased veteran’s next of kin and loved ones. More than one certificate may be provided.

    Application

      Eligible recipients, or someone acting on their behalf, may apply for a PMC in person at any VA regional office or by U.S. mail only. Requests cannot be sent via email. There is no form to use when requesting a PMC. Please be sure to enclose a copy of the veteran's discharge and death certificate. Please submit copies only, as we cannot return original documents.

      If you would like to request a Presidential Memorial Certificate, or if you requested one more than eight (8) weeks ago and have not received it yet, we ask that you either:

      1. Fax your request and all supporting documents (copy of discharge and death certificate) to: (202) 565-8054, or

      2. Mail your request and all supporting documents using either the U.S. Postal Service or a commercial mail service, such as one of the overnight or express mail delivery services, to:


Presidential Memorial Certificates (41A1C)
Department of Veterans Affairs
5109 Russell Road
Quantico, VA 22134-3903


    If you have any questions about a certificate you have received, a request you have already sent in, or about the program in general, you may call (202) 565-4964. Or you may email us at:


PMC@mail.va.gov

    PLEASE NOTE: The above telephone number and email address are for questions about the Presidential Memorial Certificate Program only. We do not accept e-mail requests for certificates. All requests must be in writing.

    Veteran Service Officers and Funeral Homes - Please contact us at (202) 565-4259 or (202) 501-2004 for information about submitting requests.

    We do not administer other VA programs or have access to other VA records. For assistance with other VA benefits or records please use the “Contact the VA” link below. Or call your Regional office at:

1-800-827-1000