Headstones for Honor Act

VA markers for enslaved and barred people

If enacted, the VA would be able to furnish headstones, markers, or medallions for enslaved people who accompanied a service member or a Civil War veteran during active service, or who served in place of someone else. It would also cover people who performed a military role while barred by law because of race, gender, sex, or ethnicity. Only a direct descendant could request one, or someone the VA finds tried to get consent from a known descendant. For those who served the Confederate forces, the marker would say the person was forced to support their own enslavement. The VA would set rules within one year, after public input, to define “military function” and what proof counts, like pay or pension records, regimental histories, newspapers, photos, ship logs, diaries, family bibles, and church records. Changes would start when the VA issues the rules or one year after enactment, whichever comes first.