Montevista | Presidential Memorial Certificate: Application Process
Presidential Memorial Certificate: Application Process
The Presidential Memorial Certificate (PMC) is an engraved paper certificate signed by the current President honoring the memory of deceased veterans. This meaningful recognition acknowledges veterans’ service and sacrifice, providing families with an official presidential tribute suitable for display. Understanding eligibility and the application process ensures families receive this free memorial honor.
This guide explains the Presidential Memorial Certificate, who qualifies, how to apply, and how to display this presidential tribute.
What Is a Presidential Memorial Certificate?
Description
Presidential Memorial Certificate (PMC): – Engraved paper certificate – Signed by current President of the United States – Includes veteran’s name – Expresses nation’s grateful recognition – Gold presidential seal – Suitable for framing and display
Actual wording: “The United States of America honors the memory of [veteran’s name]. This certificate is awarded by a grateful nation in recognition of devoted and selfless consecration to the service of our country in the Armed Forces of the United States.”
Purpose
The PMC recognizes: – Veteran’s service to the nation – Sacrifice and commitment – Presidential acknowledgment of service
Provided to: – Next of kin – Loved ones – Close friends and associates
Free memorial honoring service
History
Established: 1962
Initially: Available only for veterans buried in national cemeteries
Expanded: Now available for all eligible veterans regardless of burial location
Updated: Certificate redesigned in 2020 with new format
Who Is Eligible
Eligible Veterans
Can receive PMC: – Veterans discharged under conditions other than dishonorable – Service members who died while on active duty – Reservists and National Guard members with qualifying service
Key requirement: Honorable discharge or died on active duty
Not Eligible
Cannot receive PMC: – Those with dishonorable discharges – Service members without qualifying service – Civilians (unless also veterans)
Documentation Required
To apply for PMC: – DD-214 or discharge papers – Death certificate – Proof of honorable discharge
Can’t find DD-214? Request from National Archives: eVetRecs.archives.gov or 1-866-272-6272
How to Apply for Presidential Memorial Certificate
Who Can Request
Authorized requestors: – Next of kin (spouse, children, parents, siblings) – Funeral directors – Veterans Service Organizations – Close friends or associates
No limit on requestors—multiple family members can each request certificate
Application Methods
Three ways to apply:
1. Online (fastest): – Visit www.cem.va.gov/pmc – Complete online application – Upload documentation – Receive certificate in 4-6 weeks
2. Mail: – Download VA Form 40-0247 – Complete form – Mail with documentation to: Presidential Memorial Certificate Program Department of Veterans Affairs 5109 Russell Road Quantico, VA 22134-3903
3. In person: – Visit national cemetery office – Complete application on-site – Submit documentation
4. Through funeral director: – Many funeral directors handle PMC requests – Simplifies process for families
Required Information
Application asks for: – Veteran’s full name (as it should appear) – Branch of service – Dates of service – Date of death – Social Security number – Requestor’s name and address
Name format: Certificate printed exactly as you request—double-check spelling
Processing Time
Standard processing: 4-8 weeks
Expedited processing: Available in special circumstances (contact VA)
Delays possible during: – High-volume periods – Document verification issues
Track application: Contact Presidential Memorial Certificate Program at 1-202-565-4964
Multiple Certificates
How Many Can You Request?
No limit: – Multiple family members can request – Each eligible requestor can receive certificate – Useful when multiple family members want certificate
Example: Spouse, children, and siblings can each request their own certificate
Reordering
If certificate damaged, lost, or stolen: – Request replacement using same application process – No charge for replacement – Provide same veteran information
Name correction: – If veteran’s name misspelled on original certificate – Request corrected version – Explain error in application
Receiving and Displaying the Certificate
What You Receive
Certificate arrives: – By mail in protective envelope – High-quality paper – Presidential signature (current president) – Gold seal
Size: 8 inches by 10 inches (suitable for standard frame)
Display Options
How to display:
Framing: – Purchase 8×10 frame – Display with burial flag and military photos – Create memorial wall
Shadow box: – Combine with medals, badges, photos – Create comprehensive military display – Professional shadow box makers available
Memorial area: – Home memorial space – Office display – With other military memorabilia
Many families display with: – Folded burial flag – Military photographs – Medals and awards – Other military documents
Protecting the Certificate
Preserve certificate: – Frame behind glass to protect from damage – Keep out of direct sunlight (prevents fading) – Use acid-free matting if professionally framed
Handle with care: – Presidential certificate is meaningful keepsake – Cannot be easily replaced if destroyed
Special Circumstances
Name on Certificate
Certificate includes name as requested: – Use veteran’s legal name – Or preferred name if documented – Nicknames generally not included
Request carefully: – Certificate printed exactly as application states – Corrections require reapplication
Presidential Signature
Signed by current president: – Certificate bears signature of sitting president at time of issuance – NOT president during veteran’s service – This is standard practice
If veteran served under different president: – Certificate still signed by current president – Represents current administration honoring past service
Timing of Request
No deadline: – Can request anytime after veteran’s death – Years or decades later still eligible – No expiration on eligibility
Typical timing: – Often requested around time of funeral – But can request whenever family ready
Presidential Memorial Certificate vs. Other Awards
Different From Other Benefits
PMC is separate from: – Burial flag (flag is separate benefit) – Military funeral honors (separate ceremony) – Headstone (separate benefit) – VA burial allowance (financial benefit)
All benefits available—receiving PMC doesn’t affect other benefits
Not a Service Award
PMC is NOT: – Military medal or decoration – Service award for accomplishments – Combat recognition
PMC is: Presidential recognition of service and sacrifice after death
Common Questions
How much does the Presidential Memorial Certificate cost? Nothing. The PMC is provided free to families of eligible veterans.
How long does it take to receive the certificate? Typically 4-8 weeks after application submission.
Can multiple family members each get a certificate? Yes, there is no limit. Each family member can request their own.
What if the veteran’s name is spelled wrong on the certificate? Request a corrected certificate using the application process and explaining the error.
Is there a deadline to request the PMC? No, you can request anytime after the veteran’s death, even years later.
Which president’s signature appears on the certificate? The current sitting president at the time the certificate is issued.
Can I get a PMC for a veteran who died many years ago? Yes, as long as the veteran meets eligibility requirements.
What if I lost the original certificate? Request a replacement using the same application process at no charge.
Do I automatically receive a PMC? No, you must request it. It’s not automatically provided.
Key Takeaways
Presidential Memorial Certificate honors veterans:
- Free engraved certificate signed by President
- Available to all eligible veterans discharged under honorable conditions
- Apply online, by mail, or through funeral director
- No limit on number of certificates that can be requested
- Processing time: 4-8 weeks typically
- Suitable for framing and display (8×10 inches)
- No deadline to apply—can request anytime after death
- Replacements available if lost or damaged
- Multiple family members can each request certificate
The PMC provides meaningful presidential recognition of veterans’ service.
Presidential Memorial Certificate Assistance at Monte Vista Memorial Gardens
Monte Vista Memorial Gardens assists families with requesting Presidential Memorial Certificates and other veterans honors. We help complete applications and ensure families receive all memorial benefits their veteran earned.
Call 510-299-1174 to discuss Presidential Memorial Certificates and veterans memorial benefits.