Bill 118 hr 10395, also known as the "Veterans Headstone Pilot Program Act," aims to create a pilot program within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to provide headstones or burial markers to veterans who passed away on or before November 1, 1990. The program would be established and implemented by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs.
The purpose of this program is to ensure that all veterans, regardless of when they served, have access to a proper headstone or burial marker to honor their service and sacrifice. Currently, there are limitations on the availability of headstones for veterans who passed away before November 1, 1990, and this bill seeks to address that issue.
The bill does not specify the duration or scope of the pilot program, but it does outline that the headstones or burial markers provided under this program must meet the standards set by the VA's National Cemetery Administration. Additionally, the bill includes provisions for the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to report to Congress on the implementation and effectiveness of the program.
Overall, the "Veterans Headstone Pilot Program Act" is a bipartisan effort to ensure that all veterans receive the recognition they deserve in death, regardless of when they served. It aims to provide a meaningful tribute to veterans and their families, while also honoring their service to our country.