This is in response to the story, “Making history appear,” that was printed Nov 8.

It was a very nice story, and I commend Jeff Bolduc for placing the stone for his ancestor. That guarantees his ancestor will not be forgotten, and anyone looking for information on his life will be able to find it on his stone.

It is an appropriate time to mark this Civil War veteran’s grave with Veterans Day just past.

Anyone who served as a veteran at any time in American history is entitled, by his service, to have a free stone, cost of placement to be paid by caring persons on site.

The first step is to obtain and fill out a form called “Application for Standard Government Headstone or Marker VA form 40-1330.” Any veteran who died before Sept. 11, 2001, is eligible for a military stone if the grave is unmarked. A grave is considered marked if a stone is present, and readable, bearing the veteran’s name and/or date of death.

Any veteran who dies after Sept. 11, 2001, is eligible for a government stone, even if a private marker is present.

Memorial stones are also allowed when the veteran’s body is not recovered.

Anyone with knowledge of the veteran can make an application. More information may be obtained online from www.cem.va.gov.

There are a few styles available. Check with the cemetery to see what is allowable.

Marilyn Burgess, Leeds

Legislative liaison for the Maine Old Cemetery Association