(PMC) is an engraved paper certificate, signed by the current
President, to honor the memory of honorably discharged deceased veterans who have
not been convicted of a capital crime. This program was initiated in
March 1962 by President John F. Kennedy and has been continued by all
subsequent Presidents. Statutory authority for the program is Section
112, Title 38, of the United States Code.
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) administers the PMC program by preparing 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.
More than one certificate may be provided. 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. All requests must be in writing. There is no form to use when
requesting a PMC however, a copy of the veteran's discharge and death
certificate must be included with the request. These documents will
not be returned.
You can Fax your request and supporting documents to (202) 565-8054 or mail it to:
Presidential Memorial Certificates (402E12)
National Cemetery Administration
810 Vermont Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20420-0001
If you have any questions about a certificate you have received, a request you have already sent in, or
about the program in general, you may call (202) 565-4964 or email
PMC@mail.va.gov. [Source: www.cem.va.gov/pmc.htm 11 DEC 02]