Presidential Memorial Certificates Available

PRESIDENTIAL MEMORIAL CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE

Senator Jim Alesi (R,C - Perinton) today informs residents of the availability of the Presidential Memorial Certificate for the family members and loved ones of deceased veterans.

A Presidential Memorial Certificate (PMC) is an engraved paper certificate, signed by the current president to honor the memory of an honorably discharged deceased veteran. The Department of Veterans Affairs administers the PMC Program through the National Cemetery Administration and prepares the certificates, which bear President George W. Bush's signature, expressing our country's grateful recognition of the veteran's service in the United States Armed Forces.

Senator Alesi, who is well known for his assistance to veterans, has helped scores of veterans receive the Conspicuous Service Cross and related honors. Also, Senator Alesi has secured nearly a million dollars for local veterans causes, including the World War II Memorial, the Korean War Memorial, the Vietnam Memorial, as well as a number of local memorials. The Senator views this presidential recognition as a continuation of his efforts to serve our veterans.

Eligible recipients include the deceased veteran's next of kin and loved ones and may apply for a PMC in person at any regional office of Veterans Affairs or by mail only. Requests cannot be made by email. Up to 20 certificates may be provided in each individual deceased veteran's name. Please know that there is no charge.

There is no form to use when requesting a PMC. A written request is required and a copy of the veteran's discharge and death certificate must be enclosed. Please submit copies only, as the Department of Veterans Affairs cannot return original documents.

If you would like to request a Presidential Memorial Certificate, and are unable to reach a regional office of Veterans Affairs, there are two options. Either:

1. FAX your request and all supporting documents, including a copy of discharge and death certificates, to: (202) 565-8054; or

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

Presidential Memorial Certificates (41A1C)

Department of Veterans Affairs

5109 Russell Road

Quantico, VA 22134-3903

Certificates take between 30-45 days to receive by mail.

If you have any questions about the program in general, a certificate you have received, or a request you have already submitted, you may call the Presidential Memorial Certificate Program directly at (202) 565-4964, or contact the program by email through the Veterans Affairs Web Site at www.va.gov.