Sen. Steve Daines is objecting to a federal directive that prohibits medallions on government-issued markers in VA cemeteries, calling it a misguided policy that does “nothing but cause more issues than it fixes.”
The Montana Republican, in a Jan. 22 letter to Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Denis McDonough, focused on what he said was the removal of medallions honoring World War II veterans who served in the Army’s First Special Service Force, though the rule applies to all branches of the military.
“For years, the Montanans who served in the FSSF and were buried at VA cemeteries in Montana were remembered for their special service with a medallion located on their headstone. However, now, the NCA – citing ‘long standing’ official policy that medallions are prohibited on VA purchased headstones – has ordered the removal of these symbolic medallions,” Daines stated in the letter.
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He said the National Cemetery Administration (NCA) has determined such medallions would prevent preserving the appearance and doing maintenance.
Daines said the medallions represent the sacrifice, service and skill of those selected to serve.
“I, like many of Montana’s veterans and their families, find it outrageous that a small medallion would in any way diminish the appearance of a headstone or prevent maintenance,” he wrote. “The application of this NCA directive reeks of bureaucratic excess that does nothing but cause more issues than it fixes.”
He asks the order be rescinded and wants a full explanation to Congress.
A Veterans Affairs/National Cemetery Administration spokesman acknowledged the letter on Tuesday and offered a response:
“VA has no greater obligation than to honor and memorialize the service and legacy of our nation’s Veterans,” he said in an email. “This includes long-standing requirements for the preservation of…
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