Senator Kemp Hannon (R-6th S.D.) informs constituents 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 honorably discharged deceased veterans.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) administers the PMC program through the National Cemetery Administration. The VA prepares the certificates, which bear the president's signature expressing the country's grateful recognition of the veteran's service in the United States Armed Forces.

Eligible recipients include the deceased veteran's next of kin and loved ones. Up to 20 certificates may be provided in each individual deceased veteran's name. There is no charge.

Eligible recipients, or someone acting on their behalf, may apply for a PMC in person at any VA regional office or by U.S. mail only. Requests cannot be sent via email. 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 VA cannot return original documents. Certificates take between 30-45 days to receive by mail.

To request a Presidential Memorial Certificate, either:

* Fax your request and all supporting documents (copy of discharge and

death certificate) to (202) 565-8054; or

* Mail your request and all supporting documents using either the U.S. Postal Service or a commercial mail service, such as one of the overnight or express mail delivery services, to: Presidential Memorial Certificates (41A1C), Department of Veterans Affairs, 5109 Russell Road, Quantico, VA 22134-3903.

If you have any questions about the program in general, a certificate you have received, or a request you have already sent in, contact the Presidential Memorial Certificate Program directly at (202) 565-4964 or e-mail questions to the VA's website at www.va.gov.